The world of newspapers is changing rapidly and the Audit Bureau of Circulations has struck a task force to address some of the new issues and challenges publishers and advertisers face.

Announced today, the ABC said that it agreed in March to create the task force to ‘study the evolution of Canadian newspapers and the rapidly growing channels available to advertisers.’ The goal of the task force, the release says, is to ensure the ABC is providing market-appropriate newspaper auditing services to Canadian buyers and publishers, making reporting more useful for advertisers and rules clearer, and audits less costly, for publishers. Issues to be studied include publishing frequency and plans, hybrid and non-traditional targeted unique editions, digital editions and content delivery via new media.

Additionally, the ABC announced today that Rogers’ VP of brand and marketing communications, Shelagh Stoneham, has been named to the ABC board of directors to represent Canadian advertisers. The ABC board also agreed to expand the number of directors representing ABC members from 36 to 38 and the new appointments will include a representative for Canadian newspapers and a representative for North American advertisers and agencies.

Two additions to the ABC Canada Board Committee were also named: Gordon Fisher, president, National Post and EVP, Eastern Canada, Postmedia Network; and Jocelyn Poirier, president, TVA Publications.