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BPA Worldwide is a United States–based not-for-profit media auditing company that provides independent, third-party audits of media including print, digital, out-of-home and events.
In early 2023, BPA merged with the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), to create the largest not-for-profit media auditing organization dedicated to increasing trust, transparency and assurance across the media industry. Both AAM and BPA were founded in the early twentieth century by advertising organizations to provide independent validation of claims made by media companies.
Today, AAM independently verifies print and digital circulation, website analytics, social media, technology platforms and audience information for newspapers, magazines and digital media companies in the U.S. and Canada. In the digital advertising space, AAM is a provider of technology certification audits to industry standards established by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, Media Rating Council, Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG) and the Mobile Marketing Association.
History
20th century
In 1931, Controlled Circulation Audit Inc (CCA) opened in New York City. Their first audit, Drug Topics, was completed in September of that year.
In 1954, the CCA changed its name to BPA, which at the time stood for Business Publications Audit of Circulation, Inc. In the same year that they opened their first satellite office in Chicago, Illinois. In 1970 BPA completed its first audit of a European title, Vision.
In 1980, the first audit of pass-along individuals was conducted for Architectural Record. This report used surveys to qualified subscribers to determine how many additional individuals also read their copy of the publication.
In 1985, BPA opened their West Coast office in Los Angeles.
In 1995, BPA was changed to BPA International with the addition of their first overseas office in London. In 1998, the Canadian Circulations Audit Board (CCAB) merged with BPA International. With the addition of their audited titles, total media owner membership exceeded 2,500 members and 500 employees.
21st century
In 2004, BPA International changed its name to BPA Worldwide. This coincided with the opening of an office in Beijing, China. In 2006, BPA opened an office in Dubai Media City.
BPA launched its Brand Report product in 2008. The statement reports all of a media owner's audience "touch points" on a single statement.
In 2012, BPA opened a branch office in Shenzhen, China. BPA opened another office in Hong Kong in March 2001.
The BPA Media Exchange was launched in 2017 to help publishers deploy media solutions in an evolving digital marketplace. Publishers and advertisers may transact through the Media Exchange via both direct- and indirect sales activation.
In July 2022, Richard Murphy was named President and Chief Executive Officer of BPA Worldwide. Murphy replaced Glenn Hansen, who has announced his intent to retire in June 2023. In the interim, Hansen was named Executive Strategic Advisor to focus on BPA iCompli Sustainability and Event Audit practices.
In March 2023, BPA Worldwide and the Alliance for Audited Media completed a merger to become the largest not-for-profit media auditing organization.
References
- "BPA Redesigns, Shifts Exclusively to Brand Report Format". Folio. June 27, 2013.
- "BPA Worldwide Opens Office in Shenzhen, China, to Support Trade Show Audit Efforts". Exhibitor. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
- "BPA To Launch B2B Private Marketplace In Q2". MediaPost.
- "Audit Agency BPA Worldwide Names New CEO, Evolves Along with Industry".
- "Alliance for Audited Media, BPA Worldwide Complete Merger". auditedmedia.com. Retrieved 2023-11-01.