‘Donated Ad’ (aka AAN ADvantage) FAQ

What is AAN ADvantage?
How many donated ads will I be asked to run in a year?
Why are three dates listed on the insertion order?
What if I need to change the run date after I return the insertion order?
How do we bill these ads?
Do I need to send tearsheets?
Are there limits on the types of advertisers who can run ads in the program?
Whom should I contact with questions or concerns?

What is AAN ADvantage?
AAN Advantage is a source of funding for AAN’s programs and services. The program was launched more than 10 years ago when AAN members voted to require each member paper to provide ad space that the Association could sell at a discounted rate. Since the creation of the AAN CAN program, our dependence on AAN Advantage ad revenue has been greatly reduced. Based on the recommendation of a special committee that was formed to study the issue, the ADvantage program was not completely eliminated so the organization could retain the donated-ad infrastructure in case AAN CAN ever falters.

How many donated ads will I be asked to run in a year?
During the 2006 fiscal year (Oct. 1 2005-Sept. 30, 2006), you will be asked to run two half-page ads in your newspaper. No special ad placement fees are paid, so the ad may run ROP.

Why are three dates listed on the insertion order?
The AAN Advantage ad should run only once in each newspaper during this three-week window. This allows you to schedule the ad when it is most convenient for you.

What if I need to change the run date after I return the insertion order?
It’s not a problem to change the run date, as long as the ad runs within the three-week window specified. For maximum flexibility, schedule the ad for the first or second week available, so that you can bump the ad if you end up with a tight issue.

How do we bill these ads?
The AAN Advantage ads should not be billed. For accounting purposes, they should be categorized as “unpaid” advertising.

Do I need to send tearsheets?
Yes. Once the ad is published, please send two sets of tearsheets to the AAN office. AAN must forward them to the client in order to receive payment.

Are there limits on the types of advertisers who can run ads in the program?
Yes. We don’t accept ads from liquor or tobacco advertisers, or any other companies that have previously advertised with AWN or Ruxton. We also try to avoid companies that are already being pursued by AWN or Ruxton.

Whom should I contact with questions or concerns?
Questions should be referred to Roxanne Cooper (rcooper@aan.org) or Tiffany Kildale (tkildale@aan.org) at the AAN office.