Why ABC audited data matters in business media
Trusted, independent data that helps publishers sell with confidence and buyers invest with clarity.
What ABC does
ABC independently audits how business media audiences are delivered across print and digital channels.
This means the data is:
- Independently verified
- Consistent across publishers
- Clear about how audiences are reached
In specialist B2B markets, where quality and targeting matter, trusted data is essential.
For publishers
Make your audience easier to understand and sell.
- Demonstrate credibility with independently verified data
- Strengthen sales conversations with advertisers and agencies
- Stand out from unaudited claims
- Show the full value of print and digital circulation
For advertisers and agencies
Know what you’re buying.
- Transparency in how circulation is measured
- Consistency to compare titles fairly
- Confidence in verified data
- Clarity across print and digital channels
What is audited?
ABC audits how copies are distributed, including:
- Print circulation
- Digital circulation
- Controlled and non-controlled circulation
- Society, Free Pick Up and Paid circulation
A quick note on definitions
- Print run = copies produced
- Circulation = copies distributed
- Readership = estimated audience
ABC audits circulation, providing a clear and consistent measure.
Questions to ask
- Is the circulation independently audited?
- How are copies distributed?
- Are digital copies verified?
- What period do the figures cover?
ABC certificates provide clear answers to these and other key questions.
Explore the data
The Business Media Report brings together audited data across a wide range of B2B brands. View the Business Media Report
The latest ABC Certificates for Business Media and the Business Media Report are free to access for all users on the ABC website.
Common questions about ABC auditing
Do buyers actually care about audits?
Buyers may not always ask, but independently verified data provides reassurance and helps ensure fair comparison. They can also check the figures themselves via the ABC website. ABC data supports more informed decisions and builds confidence. ABC 2026 Media Buyer Survey results
Is auditing expensive or difficult?
No. ABC auditing is designed to be practical and proportionate. For most publishers, it’s a straightforward process that supports revenue generation by strengthening credibility. ABC is a non-profit distributing industry-owned organisation that prices its services very competitively to its members.
Can digital circulation be audited?
Yes. We can (and do) audit a wide range of digital distribution, including magazine digital copies as well as websites/apps, email newsletters and social media. We offer verification and transparency across a wide range of delivery methods.
What if competitors are not audited?
Audited data helps differentiate your brand by providing transparency and accountability that unaudited claims cannot offer.
Why it matters in business media
Business media is built on trusted relationships and clearly defined audiences. Independent auditing helps ensure those audiences are understood, credible and comparable.
Explore the data
The Business Media Report brings together the latest audited data across a wide range of B2B brands in March each year. View the Business Media Report. You can also view individual ABC Certificates and other analyses for free on the ABC website.
