Audits of Finweek conducted by the ABC and independent auditors have identified a number of administrative issues, some of which, according to the ABC board, have not been correctly reported and require revisions of circulation figures. “We're not disputing this, as it is purely a reclassification issue and will not affect Finweek's total circulation,” said Rikus Delport, Fin24 GM, this afternoon, Friday, 8 February 2008, in a press statement. “Finweek strongly disagrees, however, with the ABC's statement regarding the other two transactions.”
He pointed out that the transaction in question was approved in principle by a member of the ABC staff: “There is no question of dishonesty or fraud”
In the view of Finweek, the matter relates to a difference of opinion between the ABC and Finweek in the interpretation of the rules. Finweek and the ABC are in dispute about the validity of circulation figures resulting from inter-group transactions.
Stated Delport, “Finweek has a strong case, because the magazine has an independent legal opinion from Senior Counsel, backing Finweek's interpretation of the rules. Moreover, the ABC is not disputing the fact that the magazines under question were actually delivered to identifiable readers. Finweek does not agree with the ABC's rationale.”
According to Delport, Finweek acted in good faith and vigorously rejects any inference of unethical behaviour. “At the same time we wish to make our willingness to co-operate with the ABC clear in order to resolve the dispute.”
During the period Jan-Mar 2006 Finweek boosted their circulation by 2810 ghost readers.
During the period Jan-Mar 2006 Finweek classified 2917 Bulk Sales as subscription. (interpretation of the rules my ass)
During the period Apr-Jun 2006 Finweek classified 4077 Bulk sales as subscription.
During the period Jul-Sep 2006 Finweek classified 2769 Bulk sales as subscriptions.
During the period Jan-Mar 2007 Finweek Boosted their Circulation by 3439 copies.
* These Bulk copies could be anywhere.. in airports lying unread , maybe dumped.. and even if it is proven that it was not dumped, the practice of Classifying Bulk as subs is grossly misleading. Posted on 12 Feb 2008 09:42
Firstly, the ABC does not dispute that ALL magazines went to identifiable readers. They are not therefore sitting in some airport somewhere. Secondly, bulk sales are not given away, hence the word "sales". Whether they are subscriptions or not depends solely on the frequency and regularity of distribution. Please go back and learn at least the basics of circulation terminology before indulging in any further idiotic pontification. Posted on 12 Feb 2008 16:00
Wow, big words for a fraudster... Yep, I said fraud, which is the word the ABC committee used. Accept it, apologise to the print industry as a whole and move on. Please, don't make the whole industry look even more unscrupulous. The rest of us accept the rules, why oh why don't you? M24 have done enough damage. Posted on 12 Feb 2008 16:45
Why is it that as soon as there is a discrepancy in the ABC figures everyone becomes an industry expert? Can these want to be directors of the print media industry in South Africa not wait for the actual finding and results of the circulation investigation before standing on their soap boxes and shouting the odd’s or is this purely the ranting of competitors using the Bizcomm platform to try and discredit an otherwise institutional magazine, everyone with hand on heart declares that all this attention is focused on protecting the integrity of the print industry but let's be honest any discredited magazine means more revenue and profit for the titles (still to be audited) so in conclusion get off your soap boxes. Posted on 14 Feb 2008 09:55
There seems to be a clear anti-Media24 camp. How sad! Nothing new I suppose...
I think the real sad part is the fact that due to commentators such as yourselves, issues like these enjoy more hype and attention than what the situation warrants.
I think it is premature and perhaps even childish and irresponsible to comment and make judgment calls on an issue that is yet to be resolved. Almost appears like there's more fighting outside of the ring.
In my opinion, mudslinging like this does the industry more harm than circulation irregularities - if proven to be true. Posted on 14 Feb 2008 10:14
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