ABC Launches Investigation Into Magazine Leak

The Audit Bureau of Circulations has begun an investigation into how magazine circulation figures became available on its website six days before this Thursday’s official release.

The ABC figures for the first six months of 2007 were accidentally released on the ABC website on Friday for a short period.

The mistake was apparently noticed by a MediaGuardian journalist who was carrying out some research on magazine circulation figures ahead of Thursday’s official release.

The journalist obtained figures for some individual titles before notifying the ABC, which then fixed the problem.

In a statement released on Friday, the ABC said:”Some unverified circulation data from the forthcoming ABC magazine CCR, covering the period January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007, was uploaded onto the ABC website this afternoon for a short period of time.

“These figures are not yet confirmed and approved by ABC and remain subject to change until midday next Thursday, August 16, 2007, when they are due for official release. ABC apologises for any confusion this may cause.”

Meanwhile, this Thursday’s ABC release will be the first time that the total magazine audience for print, online and events has been listed together.

Both BBC Magazines and IPC Media are releasing ABC group reports, which list the figures in one document (see ABC Release To Feature Magazine Group Reports).

NewsLine will have full coverage and in-depth analysis of the major sectors following the ABC concurrent release for the first six months of 2007 on Thursday.

ABC: 01442 870 800 www.abc.org.uk