Tuesday 11 August 2009

Guardian and Observer axe bulk copies

Guardian News & Media said today that it is stopping distributing the "bulk" copies of the Guardian and the Observer which go to selected hotels and airlines at reduced rates and are given away free to readers.
It will have a big impact on the two papers full ABC audited circulation figures. The Guardian will strip out 12,000 bulks, which makes up 3.9% of its monthly ABC headline sale, while the Observer will strip out 20,000 copies, 5.1% of its headline sale.
GNM said its aim was to "increase openness in the marketplace" and that the move would benefit advertisers, readers and retailers, as well as reducing carbon emissions. The company has just announced heavy losses on both papers and the future of the Observer is under review.
ABC is currently investigating bulk distribution figures. The next national newspaper circulation figures are due out on Friday.

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