In addition to a recession-like ad decline, publishers are facing one of the worst newsstand performances in recent memory. The twice-yearly estimates the Audit Bureau of Circulations will release on Aug. 11 are expected to show single-copy sales down at least 10 percent, owing to a combination of distribution cutbacks, high gas prices and higher cover prices.
If the first half looks bad, the numbers look even worse for the second half, when consumers feel an even heavier weight from gas prices, said David Leckey, executive vp, consumer marketing at American Media Inc. and vice chairman of ABC.