The industry makes the rules.

ABC is governed by a Board of permanent and nominated representatives from media owners, media buyers, advertisers and industry trade bodies. The rules governing what ABC measures and reports are called Reporting Standards (sometimes referred to as ‘audit rules’). Changes to these rules are discussed and agreed, usually through consensus, by the relevant Reporting Standards Group, in line with the needs of the industry. ABC management’s role is to facilitate and implement the results of these discussions, acting as the Secretariat of the Reporting Standards Groups; it is not to make the rules or take decisions about what is or is not allowed. (N.B. While the constitution of JICWEBS, the body that sets the standards for digital media, is somewhat different, the basic principles of its operation are the same.)

What are Reporting Standards Groups?

Each media sector has its own Reporting Standards Group drawn from media owners and agencies who work together to agree the Reporting Standards.  They adhere to the following objectives:

• To discuss, advise and approve clarifications and changes to ABC Reporting Standards. The ABC Board has final oversight of the Reporting Standards.
• To consider and recommend action on strategic issues relating to their sector.
• To be kept informed and consulted on our sales and marketing plans for the sector.
• To be kept informed of and consulted on the training and audit or inspection programs for the sector.

The Reporting Standards for titles that have a majority of their circulation in the Republic of Ireland are governed by the ABC ROI Council.

How you can have an influence?

There are a number of routes that media owners and advertisers can use to raise comments about existing Reporting Standards or to propose the adoption of new ones.

• You can raise an issue directly with us, which will then be considered by the relevant Reporting Standards Group. Contact your Account manager directly or call ABC on .       
• You may raise your query via the relevant industry trade body that sits on the ABC board or Reporting Standards Groups.
• You may contact a member of the Reporting Standards Group or ROI Council directly.