New publisher's statement includes digital editions

Every newspaper with a Periodical Class Permit is required to publish an annual statement of ownership in October detailing the number of copies published and the ownership status of the newspaper.

This year's report is slightly different, so the Kansas Press Association encourages editors and publishers to take a close look at the new form being used this year. It includes the opportunity for online subscriptions to be counted in the total distribution figure.

The new form can be downloaded from the KPA website. Here's the worksheet for both regular periodicals and also requester periodicals.

Remember, owners of weeklies have the entire month of October to publish the statement in their newspapers, but those who publish more often than weekly must publish the statement by Oct. 10. A paper copy of the statement is also due at the local post office where you enter the mail by Oct. 1.

Here's the exact language from USPS:

"If the publication had Periodicals authorization as a general publication, this Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation must be published, i.e., it must be printed in an issue that’s primary mailed distribution is produced not later than Oct. 10 for publications issued more frequently than weekly; or not later than Oct. 31 for publications issued weekly or less frequently but more frequently than monthly; or in the first issue that’s primary mailed distribution is produced after Oct. 1 for all other publications."