Editions - Regional Publications

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Editions

An Edition is a version of an issue of the publication that varies from the Main Edition (the UK and/or ROI version that has the largest circulation), usually for reasons of geography, timing or content. How it has varied from the Main Edition will affect how or whether it can be included on the same ABC Certificate.

Principles

1. An Edition must be in keeping with the overall issue to be reported on the same ABC Certificate

2. A Special Edition must be in keeping with the parent edition to be reported on the same certificate

3. A Sports Edition must be in keeping with the parent edition to be reported on the same certificate

Requirements 

1. An Edition must be in keeping with the overall issue to be reported on the same ABC Certificate

1. The Edition must carry a logotype/masthead incorporating the generic name of the Main Edition.

2. The branding and appearance of the Edition must not give the impression that it is a different publication than the Main Edition. For the avoidance of doubt a change in format alone (such as a change in publication size) will not infringe this requirement.

3. The Edition must carry the same cover date/issue identification as the Main Edition.

4. The Edition must be published and distributed on or about the same date as the Main Edition. Note:

   1. For annual publications (or less frequent) the following applies in place of (d) above: Editions must be distributed within the publication’s ABC Reporting Period.

2. A Special Edition must be in keeping with the parent edition to be reported on the same certificate  

A Special Edition is defined as a stand-alone edition, sold as a single copy, in which the subject matter differs from the normal edition(s). 

To be included in an ABC claim a Special Edition: 

1. Must carry at least 70% of the ROP (display) advertisements from the parent edition of which at least 70% of the individual advertisers must be represented. Any advertisers or agencies whose advertisement(s) is/are included in the Special Edition must have agreed in writing their inclusion in the Special Edition before it is published. Note: 

   1. Ignore any supplement (published in any Edition) which is published on 3 or less occasions in a 6 month period.

   2. ROP (display) advertising does not include house advertisements, advertorials, advertisement/classified features (where advertisements for two or more advertisers are grouped under a common theme with or without editorial for example ‘Eating Out’ or ‘Spring Brides’), reader offers, reader holiday advertisements

2. Must carry those advertisements also included in the parent edition in the same size and in the same colour (unless evidenced as agreed otherwise with the advertiser or agency).

3. Must comprise at least 25% editorial by volume.

4. Must carry a logotype/masthead on the front page incorporating the generic name of the parent publication. 

5. Must be the same format as the parent edition, for example tabloid, broadsheet and use similar paper quality. 

6. Must carry the same cover date/issue identification as the parent edition on a majority of its pages.

7. Must have commenced distribution within 7 days of the date of issue of the parent edition. The on-sale period may differ from that for the parent edition.

8. Must carry a cover price that is the same or higher than that for the parent edition. 

9. Be purchased, solus, by the consumer at the cover price. This means a Special Edition cannot be distributed with or inside the parent edition or sold as a package with other products or publications.

3. A Sports Edition must be in keeping with the parent edition to be reported on the same certificate

A Sports Edition is defined as an extra edition sold in addition to the normal edition(s) of the parent publication to cover sports.

To be included in an ABC claim a Sports Edition: 

1. Must carry at least 50% of the ROP (display) advertisements from the parent edition of which at least 50% of the individual advertisers must be represented. Any advertisers or agencies whose advertisement(s) is/are excluded from the Sports Edition must have agreed in writing their exclusion from the Sports Edition. Note: 

   1. Ignore any supplement (published in any Edition) which is published on 3 or less occasions in a 6 month period.

   2. ROP (display) advertising does not include house advertisements, advertorials, advertisement/classified features (where advertisements for two or more advertisers are grouped under a common theme with or without editorial for example ‘Eating Out’ or ‘Spring Brides’), reader offers, reader holiday advertisements

2. Must either:

   1. carry a logotype/masthead on the front page incorporating the generic name of the parent publication, consistent with the general appearance of the parent publication; or 

   2. carry a strapline which clearly and prominently indicates on the masthead that it is an edition of the parent publication. 

3. Must carry the same cover date/issue identification as the parent edition on a majority of its pages.

4. Be either be purchased:

   1. As a Retail or Single Copy Sale by the consumer; or

   2. As a Paid Multiple Copy.

Reporting

Guidance

No additional guidance.