Website www.abc.org.uk | Founded 14 October 1931 | |
Founder ISBA (Society of British Advertisers) Focus Newspaper and magazine circulation Profiles | ||
The Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK) or ABC is a non-profit organisation which is owned by the media industry.
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History
It was founded on 14 October 1931 by the ISBA (Society of British Advertisers) to provide an independent verification of circulation/data figures to facilitate the buying and selling of advertising space within UK national newspapers.
In 2009 the organisation reviewed how their figures reflected bulk sales- the copies given away for free. The circulation of six national newspapers were adjusted as a consequence.In 2011, ABC's online and print divisions were merged.
In February 2014, the ABC published combined print and digital magazine circulation figures for the first time.
Governance
ABC's aim is to inspire confidence in the ad trading industry by delivering a valued ‘stamp of trust’. ABC has two distinct roles:
- To bring the industry together to agree standards that define media measurement and determine best practice.
- To offer independent audit and compliance services, delivering certification which verifies that data and processes meet the industry-agreed Reporting Standards.
ABC is governed by a board consisting of advertisers, media agencies, media owners and trade bodies. They represent the differing interests of the media industry, agree new standards and make strategic decisions as to how ABC is run.
ABC UK is a founder member of the International Federation of ABC (IFABC). Richard Foan, Group Executive Director of Communication & Innovation, ABC UK, also chairs the IFABC Web Standards Group, which works to deliver global standards and establish digital good practice across the world.