BPA Worldwide (CCAB in Canada) has introduced new rules for the industry.

The worldwide auditor approved new and amended rules at its December meeting in New York City. Here's some of the changes (to take effect with the June 2012 filing period):

• To address "confusing" reporting of subscribers to both print and digital editions, an individual receiving both will now be listed only once in the 'both' column (previously listed three time under print, digital and both)

• "Ensuring that source and age parameters are applied equally to print and digital", the board has updated reporting rules to allow digital editions for all sources (request and non-request)

• "Responding to feedback from members and the marketplace", BPA has reversed its May 2010 decision regarding age/source reporting to consolidate 3b reporting. The new rule (effective July 1) requires publishers to report five source categories: direct request, request from recipient's company, membership benefits, communication other than request, and other sources

• "To add efficiency to publishers' and telemarketing firms' processes", the rules have been changed to no longer require every telecom script be reviewed and approved by BPA

BPA will be holding a free webinar this Thursday, Jan. 12, to discuss the rule updates in more detail. Register by clicking here.