Sample Free Distribution - National Newspapers

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Free Pick Up Copies (Sample)

Free copies distributed, on an irregular basis, using an existing ABC Free Distribution category.

Principles

1. Distribution uses an existing ABC Free Distribution method, without the need for a regular and consistent basis

2. Prior notification of distribution details to ABC

3. Distribution must be of an existing edition claimed on the certificate

Requirements 

1. Distribution uses an existing ABC Free Distribution category, without the need for a regular and consistent basis

1. The requirements of the relevant National Newspaper Free Distribution category apply, with the exception that distribution may be of a single issue.

   1. The Free Distribution categories eligible for reporting as Sample Free Distribution are:

      • Free Pick Up

2. Requirements relating to distribution across issues being on a regular and consistent basis and changes from previous certificates are ignored.

2. Prior notification of distribution details to ABC  

1. You must obtain ABC’s agreement in advance of the distribution, having provided full details of timings, delivery locations etc with at least 14 days’ notice in advance of the planned distribution. This is to enable audit work to be conducted at the appropriate time, including real time testing where appropriate.

2. You must be able to provide the auditor with access to distribution points for verification purposes.

3. Distribution must be of an existing edition claimed on the certificate

1. The copies must be broadly similar to an existing edition being claimed on the certificate. Therefore a certificate cannot comprise copies claimed in the Sample Free Distribution category alone. 

Reporting

You will report sample free copies as follows, which will be broken out on the ABC Certificate:

1. By geographical type:

   1. United Kingdom

   2. Scotland – as a subset of UK

   3. England, Wales & N. Ireland – as a subset of UK

   4. Republic of Ireland (ROI)

2. By total average pick-up copies per issue for the period, analysed as ‘Sample’ and broken into:

   1. Net distribution

   2. Capped distribution

3. By issue/type, including for each:

   1. Description of distribution location/type and issue(s). Additional detail, such as number of distribution points, can be added as required.

   2. Quantity

Note: Overall free circulation (regular and sample combined) in the Reporting Period cannot exceed the higher of:

• 25,000 copies (average per issue); or

• 5% of the total average circulation

Guidance

No additional guidance.