The McClatchy Media Network, one of the largest media companies in the United States with over 95 million unique visitors*, has become the first news media network to complete the AAM Digital Publisher Audit, an independent, third-party audit program from the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). AAM audited 34 McClatchy websites across 30 U.S. local news sites and affiliated brands to validate that its business operations and website traffic meet industry standards.
The McClatchy Media Network chose to participate in the AAM audit as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability. This achievement is an extension of the work that’s been done toward ensuring McClatchy addresses client needs.
“We’re excited to become the first news media network to complete AAM’s comprehensive digital publisher audit,” said McClatchy Chief Revenue Officer Tony Berg. “We’ve been focused on providing our clients with high returns and great visibility. This respected industry program validates the data we provide advertisers and gives us greater confidence that we’re following best practices throughout our digital advertising operations.”
The Digital Publisher Audit includes an in-depth review of McClatchy’s business practices and operations, including the network’s traffic sourcing policies. The audit also verifies the accuracy of third-party website metrics by checking proper implementation and analyzing the quality and quantity of traffic for its 34 websites, which AAM continuously monitors.
“We’re proud to work with McClatchy to shine a light on their continued commitment to creating a high-quality, transparent digital advertising environment,” said Tom Drouillard, AAM’s CEO and managing director. “The AAM Digital Publisher Audit not only acts as a signal of this commitment, but it verifies that McClatchy has the right tools in place to meet their advertisers’ expectations.”
McClatchy’s brands connect with their readers by building sustainable, digitally-focused local news operations that deliver high-impact news and information in all the communities they serve.
In completing the audit McClatchy continues to meet the specific needs of its advertisers throughout its media network, which includes brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
McClatchy’s audited websites now join the AAM Audited Domain List of verified and trustworthy publishers, which can be downloaded from AAM’s website and is included in industry programs such as the IAB Tech Lab Compliance Registry.
For more information about the AAM Digital Publisher Audit, visit auditedmedia.com.
* McClatchy reported 95 million unique visitors with AAM as of March 31, 2023. Subject to audit.
About McClatchy:
McClatchy features a powerhouse of vibrant news brands that have earned awards and national recognition, including the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee. The McClatchy digital platform hosts over 30 news sites and a robust digital content offering from syndication partners. Our platform is a catalyst for informed engagement, greater understanding, and deeper community connections. Through state of-the-art technology, we reach more than 95 million unique visitors per month by providing essential news and information to the communities we serve. We’re in the midst of a digital transformation, leveraging our platform to deliver mission-based journalism, independent reporting and innovative customer solutions in order to serve our audience at the highest level. Connect with us on social media @mcclatchy or at mcclatchy.com.
About the Alliance for Audited Media:
The Alliance for Audited Media powers transparency and collaboration between North America’s leading media professionals. With more than 100 years of experience in print and digital media audits, AAM is the industry’s recognized leader in cross-media verification with unparalleled expertise across all brand platforms including web, mobile, email and print. In 2023 AAM merged with BPA Worldwide to become the largest not-for-profit media auditing organization dedicated to increasing trust and assurance across media channels. To learn how AAM brings trust and transparency to today’s media ecosystem, visit auditedmedia.com.
