carolina weekly media kit 2015

Est. 2002

2015 Media Kit

Index About Us

Circulation & Coverage Map Readership Demographics

Front Page AdvertisingRate Card

Insert RatesEditorial Calendar

Ad SpecificationsPolicies

Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 8 & 90Page 11

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Established in 2002, Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group publishes award-winning, strategically positioned newspapers that reach the area’s best demographics, the best neighborhoods, and the greatest communities in the Charlotte, NC market.

The combined audited circulation of 60,000 provides a unique an unmatched advertising opportunity in the market. Whether you choose display ads, inserts, or sticky notes, our newspapers offer advertisers the choice of powerful reach with a full-run buy or targeted campaigns by newspaper or zip codes. As any media buyer will soon realize after studying our demographics, readership survey, and rate card, our newspapers offer proven results at affordable rates.

About us

Our newspapers provide in-depth coverage of community news and events for the residents and consumers of the markets they cover. Each newspaper’s content is unique and covers a variety of topics, including local community, political, real estate, development and business news, public and private school news, high school sports, health and wellness, faith, dining, and arts & entertainment.

Content

With a combined audited circulation of 60,000 and growing, our newspapers offer the critical mass needed for successful ad campaigns. Furthermore, individual newspaper buys are available for efficient, bull’s-eye targeted marketing. So, if you’re looking for the best vehicles to reach all or part of the Charlotte market, look no further … our newspapers deliver.

Circulation

Contact information

10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154Charlotte, NC 28210

Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Groupwww.carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Home DeliveryAs the paid circulation for the Charlotte area’s daily newspapers continues to plummet, our audited circulation continues to grow. With approximately 80% of our circulation home-delivered by our highly-trained and accountable carrier force, our newspapers now exceeds the local daily newspapers’ circulation in the area’s most attractive and affluent zip codes.

Single CopyThe remaining 20% of our audited circulation is distributed throughout the market on newsstands. High-traffic distribution partners include Harris Teeter, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Earth Fare, Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, Bruegger’s Bagels and the YMCA. Additionally, data is tracked weekly to ensure a pick up rate of nearly 100%.

[email protected]

Circulation: 25,000

Home Delivery: 72%Single Copy: 28%




Circulation: 17,000

Circulation: 13,000

Circulation: 5,000

CirCulAtioN & CoverAGe MAp

Monroe

Indian Trail

Wesley Chapel

Waxhaw

Weddington

Ballantyne

Uptown Charlotte

Pineville

IndianLand

Arboretum

SouthParkMatthews

Mint Hill

Source: Circulation Verification Council Readership SurveyDecember 31, 2012

reAdership deMoGrAphiCsResults

79% of readers frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in the Weekly

ReadershipSouth Charlotte Weekly 54,675Union County Weekly 38,475Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly 26,325

Household Income

$50,000+ 81%$75,000+ 56%$100,000+ 36%

56% of readers have a household income of over $75,000

Gender

Female Readers 57%Male Readers 43%

Nearly 60% of Weekly readers are comprised of affluent women

Shelf Life

Keep through the weekend 62%Keep for 5 or more days 38%Keep for a week or more 29%

Nearly 2/3 of readers keep the Weekly through the weekend and 1/3 keep the newspapers for a week or more

Age

Age Reader18 – 34 22%35 – 54 48%55 – 74 29%

70% of the market’s key age demographics are Weekly readers

Circulation: 25,000Publish Day: FridayHome Delivery: 72%

Single Copy: 28%

Circulation: 17,000Publish Day: ThursdayHome Delivery: 88%

Single Copy: 12%


Single Copy: 23%

*Demographics, readership and circulation does not include the monthly Pineville Pilot.

Circulation: 5,000Publish Day: TuesdayHome Delivery: 50%

Single Copy: 50%

Sticky Notes• 2.875” x 2.875”• Full color• High impact• Lasting reference that can be removed and placed in a handy location extending the life of your ad

Front Page Banner• 9.875” x 2” ad size• Color included in rate• Your advertising message is front page news!

size 52 WK 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK open(savings) (50%) (40%) (30%) (25%)

south Charlotte $446 $535 $624 $668 $891union County $281 $337 $393 $421 $561Matthews-Mint hill $215 $257 $300 $322 $429pineville $165 $198 $231 $248 $330

froNt pAGe AdvertisiNG

Publication Circulation Cost

Full Run* 55,000 $2,750

South Charlotte 25,000 $1,275

Union County 17,000 $986

Matthews-Mint Hill 13,000 $793

Pineville 5,000 $305

*Includes all three weeklies

Rates Effective December 2014

rAte CArd

Non-Consecutive time frame 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK 26 ads within 13 ads within 6 ads within 52 weeks 26 weeks 13 weeks

Guaranteed placement

add 15% per run

Union County Weekly 17,000 Circulationsize Color 52 WK 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK open(savings) (50%) (40%) (30%) (25%)

full $200 $561 $673 $785 $842 $1,122Jr. $200 $435 $522 $609 $653 $8701/2 $125 $309 $370 $432 $463 $6171/3 $125 $206 $247 $288 $308 $4111/4 $50 $183 $220 $256 $275 $3661/6 $50 $129 $155 $181 $194 $2581/8 $50 $96 $115 $134 $144 $192

Pineville Pilot 5,000 Circulationsize Color 12 x 6 x 3 x open

full $200 $330 $396 $462 $495 Jr. $200 $256 $307 $358 $384 1/2 $125 $182 $218 $254 $272 1/3 $125 $121 $145 $169 $182 1/4 $50 $94 $112 $131 $140 1/6 $50 $66 $79 $92 $99 1/8 $50 $47 $56 $66 $70

South Charlotte Weekly 25,000 Circulationsize Color 52 WK 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK open(savings) (50%) (40%) (30%) (25%)

full $200 $891 $1,069 $1,247 $1,337 $1,782Jr. $200 $691 $829 $967 $1,037 $1,3821/2 $125 $490 $588 $686 $735 $9801/3 $125 $327 $392 $457 $490 $6531/4 $50 $253 $303 $354 $379 $5051/6 $50 $178 $214 $249 $267 $3561/8 $50 $127 $152 $177 $190 $253

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly 13,000 Circulationsize Color 52 WK 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK open(savings) (50%) (40%) (30%) (25%)

full $200 $429 $515 $601 $644 $858Jr. $200 $334 $400 $467 $500 $6671/2 $125 $236 $283 $330 $354 $4721/3 $125 $158 $189 $221 $236 $3151/4 $50 $140 $167 $195 $209 $2791/6 $50 $99 $119 $139 $149 $1981/8 $50 $73 $88 $102 $110 $146

see detailed coverage map on page 3

Full Run 55,000 Circulation (includes all three weeklies)size Color 52 WK 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK open(savings) (50%) (40%) (30%) (25%)

full $200 $1,693 $2,031 $2,370 $2,539 $3,386Jr. $200 $1,314 $1,576 $1,839 $1,970 $2,6271/2 $125 $931 $1,117 $1,303 $1,397 $1,8621/3 $125 $621 $745 $869 $931 $1,2411/4 $50 $518 $621 $725 $776 $1,0351/6 $50 $365 $438 $512 $548 $7311/8 $50 $266 $319 $372 $399 $532

Rates Effective December 2014

*Rates are per week.




*Rates are per month.

Circulation: 25,000Publish Day: FridayHome Delivery: 72%Single Copy: 28%


Single Copy: 12%


Single Copy: 23%

Circulation: 5,000Publish Day: TuesdayHome Delivery: 50%

Single Copy: 50%

size Weight openSingle sheet .2 oz. $354-page tab .2-.6 oz. $408-page tab .6-1 oz. $45

Call for contract rates

Advertisers with preprinted flyers, brochures or other inserts can use our newspapers as efficient direct mail-delivery vehicles. At costs substantially below regular mailing costs, the Weeklies will insert advertising materials into the newspaper’s fold, providing prominent exposure for the advertiser.

Circulation

General information Insert preparation requirements

Rates

DeadlinesReservations for preprints must be made at least two (2) weeks in advance. The deadline for deliv-ery to our printer is one (1) week prior to insertion date.

Our circulation is a blend of home-delivery customers and single-copy distribution. Since approximately 80% of the newspapers’ circulation is home-delivered, advertisers can choose to run inserts in the Weeklies’ entire circulation or home delivery only. Please call your rep for a current circulation breakdown.

• Price given in dollars per 1,000 inserts.• Minimum order is 10,000 inserts.• Outside dimension of preprinted inserts not to exceed 14” x 10.75”• All folding, if necessary, shall be completed by advertiser prior to delivery to the printer.

1. All preprints should be delivered to our printer in Fayetteville, NC one (1) week in advance of publi-cation day. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

delivery address: Fayetteville Publishing Company Packaging Department 1011 Camden Road Fayetteville, NC 28306-0458 Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

2. Insert Size Specifications: • Maximun size: 14” X 10.75” • Minimum size: 5” X 7” • Minimum thickness: 0.050” • Below minimum thickness spoilage recommendations: <0.045” add 5% for spoilage <0.040” add 10% for spoilage <0.035” add 15% for spoilage <0.030” below acceptability threshold • Printed material not meeting the insert machine specifications above requires prior approval for special handling. • Our inserting equipment requires a solid fold to grip. All inserts must have at least one straight edge.

3. Do not tie preprinted inserts in bundles, vacuum pack, or fray edges of preprints. Pallets or multi-ple box deliveries to the printer should be clearly labeled as follows:

NAMe OF PuBLiCAtiON (date of scheduled insertion order) (quantity) (your company’s name)

Unless credit is established, all preprint orders must be prepaid two (2) weeks in advance of publication date.

iNsert rAtesCarolina Weekly Newspaper Group offers the best demographics in the Carolinas for your inserts. Choose from full run of 60,000 or select ZIPs, newspaper or home delivery only.

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2015

(Monthly section)2nd Issue of the Month

There’s no better advertising fit for Realtors or Homebuilders than to be on a page listed with positive news... the previous month’s local home sales! in the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area.

(Monthly section)1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the best-read sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

(Content-focused Issues)Let these themed issues be your guide to the latest developments in lasting health and wellness.

issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 october 2

(Content-focused sections)Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a cost-effective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

issue dates: february 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

health & Wellness

summer Camp Guide

back to school

Culinary Corner

home sales(Content-focused issue)

It’s back to the books and basics with advertise-ments in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.issue date: August 14

(Bi-monthly section)2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market. From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered

Arts & entertainment

performing Arts preview 2015-2016(Special pullout section)

Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

issue date: september 25 south Charlotte, union County and Matthews-Mint hill 55,000 circulation

(Special pullout section)The absolute must-read section of the year, our unrivaled

football preview sets the standard with highlights of high school football teams in southern Mecklenburg and Union County, covering more than 40 private and public schools. These special pullout issues provide an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first touchdowns.

issue dates: August 21 southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation August 28 union County 17,000 circulation

Health & WellnessJanuary 30

April 24July 31

October 2

Summer Camp Guide

February 6 & 20March 6 & 20

April 3 & 17

Back to SchoolAugust 14

Home SalesMonthly

Culinary CornerMonthly

Football PreviewAugust 21 - South Meck

August 28 - Union

Basketball Preview

November 13

Super TeamsSeasonal

Arts & Entertainment

Bi-Monthly

Performing Arts PreviewSeptember 25

(Seasonal)The best of the best high school athletes are

recognized for their season’s achievements. In addition to the rankings, the player of the year is highlighted with a feature story.

footballswimming (Girls & boys)basketball (Girls & boys)Golf (boys)track & field (boys)track & field (Girls)tennis (boys)lacrosse (boys)lacrosse (Girls)soccer (Girls)softballbaseballGolf (Girls)Cross-Country (Girls)Cross-Country (boys)tennis (Girls)volleyball (Girls)

January 9March 13March 20June 5June 12June 19June 26July 3July 10July 17July 24July 31November 20November 27december 4december 11december 18

(Special pullout section)As the leader in high school sports coverage, our boys high

school basketball preview is highly anticipated each year. The special pullout issue provides an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first tipoff.

issue dates: November 13 southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation

football preview 2015

basketball preview 2015

super teams

page 9

issue dates:

*Dates subject to change.

full

1/2 V

Jr.

1/2 H

1/3 V

1/3 H1/4

1/6 1/8

V

1/8 H

page dimensions actual size

double truck 8 col. x 12.5” 20.875” w x 12.5” hfull page 4 col. x 12.5” 9.875” w x 12.5” hjunior page 3 col. x 9.5” 7.365” w x 9.5” h1/2-page (v) 2 col. x 12.5” 4.854” w x 12.5” h1/2-page (h) 4 col. x 6.125” 9.875” w x 6.125” h1/3-page (v) 2 col. x 8.25” 4.854” w x 8.25” h1/3-page (h) 4 col. x 4.125” 9.875” w x 4.125” h1/4-page 2 col. x 6.125” 4.854” w x 6.125” h1/6-page 2 col. x 4.125” 4.854” w x 4.125” h1/8-page (v) 1 col. x 6.125” 2.344” w x 6.125” h1/8-page (h) 2 col. x 3” 4.854” w x 3” hfront banner 4 col. x 2” 9.875”w x 2” h

Space and Ad deadlines• space reservations:

Friday, 5 p.m., seven (7) calendar days prior to publication date• Creative: - Camera ready: Monday, 5 p.m., five (5) calendar days prior to publication date - Ad builds: Thursday, 5 p.m., eight (8) calendar days prior to publication date

Note: When sending via e-mail, please include the name of your company, issue date and name of publication in the subject header.

Digital formatsAcceptable high-resolution program formats include:

• Adobe Acrobat PDF 8.0 (preferred format)• Adobe illustrator CS3 Version 13.0• Adobe Photoshop CS3 Version 10.0 • Adobe inDesign CS3 Version 5.0• Jpeg, tiffNote: Unacceptable formats include Publisher, Word, and PowerPoint.

Word and PowerPoint documents for ad builds can only be accepted to provide text or an example of your layout. individual images/logos will need to be sent separately in one of the above formats.

Production guidelinesAd builds (to be built by Carolina Weekly)

• Logo art, along with any additional desired imagery, must be provided (preferably at 200dpi in one of the digital formats listed below).

• Fonts also should be included to avoid font-matching or replacement. If necessary, font matches can be processed for an additional fee.Camera-ready ads (already built to spec)

• All ads Must be built as CMYK (200dpi) and provided in one of the digital formats listed below.

• Due to registration issues, color ads that use black need to have the CMYK mix for black built at 100% black (C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100). Note: This only affects the black color and should include text, headers, backgrounds, shadows and logos where possible.

• Same as above, color ads that place text over an image or color background should have the text set to overprint. Note: Use sans serif fonts at 14 pt. or larger for better print quality.

Proofs/approvals• All ads must be approved by the date indicated. if

approvals/corrections are not received by that date, the ad will run as provided on the proof.

• oNlY two proofs will be provided. If final approvals are not received on the second proof, additional changes can be accepted prior to the deadline indicated; however, an additional proof will not be generated for review.

Placement• Placement of all advertising is at the discretion of the publisher

and cannot be guaranteed.

Artwork submissions:

The above guidelines have been put in place to ensure the best print quality possible. We cannot guarantee print quality for any ads not built to the proper specs.

Column sizes

1 col. = 2.344” 3 col. = 7.365”2 col. = 4.854” 4 col. = 9.875”

Double truck

Front page banner

Ad speCifiCAtioNs

[email protected]

Non-consecutive ads must be placed within the time frame outlined below and on page 5 to take advantage of discounted rates. If not, the cost for each placement will revert to the “Open” ad rate.

1. Signed insertion orders must be returned to the publisher prior to the advertisement being posted. Verbal agreements will not be accepted as confirmed space reservations, changes or cancellations.2. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement for any reason. Only publication of the advertisement constitutes acceptance. The publisher also reserves the right to insert the word “paid advertisement” where deemed appropriate.3. Position placement is at the discretion of the publisher except where a request for a specific preferred position is acknowledged by the publisher in writing.4. Advertising submitted for publication is not considered accepted by the newspapers until the actual publication date. 5. The publisher assumes responsibility for advertising errors in the first insertion only. The publisher’s liability for errors in the first insertion will not exceed the cost of the first insertion. The publisher assumes no further liability, and the advertiser expressly waives any and all claims of consequential damages due to any error. Claims for adjustments must be made within four days of publication.6. The publisher is not liable for delays in delivery and/or nondelivery by reason of events beyond the publisher’s control.7. By placing the ad order, the advertiser and its agents, if any, agree to the terms and provisions of the current media kit and signed advertising agreement. The publisher will not be bound by conditions, printed or otherwise, appearing on contracts, order, billing or copy instructions, including position requests, which conflict with the current rate card unless specifically agreed to by the publisher in writing.8. Any insertion of the advertising made by an agency represents acceptance by the agency and the advertiser of all terms and conditions set forth in the rate card and applicable to the issue(s) in which the ad(s) is to be published.9. Any insertion canceled after space reservation deadline will be charged a 25% kill fee for the total cost of the ad.10. The publisher reserves the right to adjust advertising rates upon 30 days written notice.

1. All ads must be prepaid unless credit is approved. A billing account will be established upon completion and approval of a credit application.2. Unless preapproved by the Weeklies, all invoices are due upon receipt. A service charge of 1.5% per month, 18% annually, will be assessed for late payments. Should legal proceedings be necessary for collection of past-due balances, the advertiser is liable for reasonable attorney’s fees, as fixed by the court, and costs of suit. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising to advertisers with overdue accounts.3. The publisher reserves the right to require cash with copy for any ad.4. If an agency is used to represent the advertiser, the publisher holds the agency and the advertiser jointly responsible for the payment of all charges and the terms listed above.

poliCiesAdvertising terms Payment terms

Non-consecutive placement time frame

Non-consecutive time frame 26 WK 13 WK 6 WK 26 ads within 13 ads within 6 ads within 52 weeks 26 weeks 13 weeks

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carolina weekly media kit 2015

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