Basic Cover Price - National Newspapers
Basic Cover Price
The Basic Cover Price is the standard published price for an issue against which circulation is reported.
Principles
1. The Basic Cover Price is a recognised standard price
2. A cover price must be published to claim certain categories of paid circulation
3. Copies reported by rate, comparing price paid with Basic Cover Price
Requirements
1. The Basic Cover Price is a recognised standard price
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The Basic Cover Price is the published cover price at which a single copy of the publication may be purchased without limitation and for an on-going duration, in contrast to a short term price or special price only available to a limited class or under limited conditions.
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For UK copies where multiple cover prices by edition or by territory (England/Wales/Northern Ireland and Scotland) exist, the Basic Cover Price will be the price at which at least 80% of the circulation is sold at or below.
2. A cover price must be published to claim certain categories of paid circulation
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The relevant circulation section of these Reporting Standards will stipulate if a cover price must be published for copies to be included in the ABC claim. Where a cover price must be published it must be published on or inside the front or back cover of the publication.
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If you fail to publish a cover price for an issue (that includes circulation that requires a cover price to be published) then:
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You must notify ABC’s Group Executive Director, Standards, Operations & Compliance before the return submission deadline explaining the reasons why it happened and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.
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We may request further information or documentation surrounding the omission.
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We will review the circumstances surrounding the omission and if it is decided the occurrence is exceptional and the claim verifiable then the copies may be claimed.
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3. Copies reported by rate, comparing price paid with Basic Cover Price
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Circulation sections will stipulate if copies are reported by rate.
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A reduction in cover price will not be accepted as a Basic Cover Price until it has been in place for a minimum of two complete consecutive ABC monthly reporting periods. Note:
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A change in the cover price will be ignored for this purpose where:
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The monetary amount of the change (increase or decrease) wholly reflects the change in a purchase tax (e.g. VAT) levied on the publication; and
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The change is made in a timescale that is consistent with it reflecting the tax change.
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Reporting
You will report the following, which will be broken out on the ABC Certificate:
1. The Basic Cover Price for the last issue included in the reporting period for:
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UK
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Republic of Ireland
- Note: If there are different cover prices by day of week then these will be shown.
Guidance
No additional guidance.