Newspaper Audits

North America’s leading media buyers have trusted our newspaper audits for nearly a century. All newspaper members must undergo a paid circulation audit. But there’s more to today’s newspaper audit than paid circulation. There’s verified circulation—things like educational copies or Sunday Select products—that are targeted to specific audiences. Or as part of the circulation audit, ZIP code data is verified and percent-of-household coverage is provided for each town for more than 1,000 daily and weekly newspaper members. And newspapers can report digital replica and nonreplica editions as part of their total circulation as well.

All data is compiled into the Media Intelligence Center, the place where advertisers and agencies go to compare and evaluate data for their media plans.

AAM’s additional services for newspapers provide vital data beyond the circulation audit.

CAC Audits

Certified Audit of Circulations, or CAC, and AAM have joined forces to better serve newspapers and media buyers. As a subsidiary of AAM, CAC members have the opportunity to appear in AAM’s Media Intelligence Center and participate in some of AAM’s additional newspaper services. Learn more.

Community Newspaper Audits

AAM offers a custom audit program designed for newspapers with circulation under 25,000. The cost-efficient CNA program helps streamline the audit with minimal publisher preparation. Learn more about CNA.

Coupon Distribution Verification

The Coupon Distribution Verification Service helps guard against coupon fraud and misredemption by checking coupon security procedures against best practices. Learn more about CDVS.

Group Audit Plan

AAM members that sell advertising with other weekly newspapers qualify for a group audit plan. This every-other-year audit option is cost effective and helps advertisers evaluate all group members on one report, while circulation and ZIP codes are broken out for each newspaper.

Insert Verification

Insert Verification Service participants gain visibility and credibility as an FSI distribution source, and ensure maximum return on investment for your advertising partners. Learn more about IVS.

Multimedia Audits

Newspapers use the Consolidated Media Report and Audience Snapshot programs to incorporate website traffic, readership, digital editions, social media and more with their circulation audits. Learn more about our digital and audience audit services.

Nonpaid Newspaper Audits

AAM audits nonpaid newspapers if they are owned or operated by an AAM member and have at least 50 percent of their circulation derived from home-delivery. If you are interested in obtaining a nonpaid newspaper quote, please fill out this form.

Get Started

For more information about print newspaper services, please contact your newspaper marketing manager.