ABC To Investigate Freesheet Dumping

The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) is to investigate claims that bulk copies of the London freesheets thelondonpaper and London Lite have been dumped by distributors.

This comes after Associated Press circulated footage of thelondonpaper distributors dumping bulk copies of the title and counter claims from News International that it had footage of the London Lite being dumped (see thelondonpaper Hits Back With Press Ad).

Although ABC had previously said that it would only launch an investigation if it a complaint was made, it would appear that it has had to act now before matters escalate.

In a statement, ABC said: “Although to date no complaint has been received, due to the implications that these allegations may have on the certified distribution figures for the London free newspapers, ABC has taken the decision to investigate and review the circumstances surrounding these incidents.”

“The publishers are responsible for submitting their data to ABC according to the audit rules. ABC audits the London free newspapers to industry standards agreed by media buyers, advertisers and media owners.

“The audit comprises a range of tests including monitoring the publisher’s internal compliance process, testing paperwork and audits trails and direct observation on the street of the whole distribution process.”

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