[1] It is one of more than three dozen such organizations operating worldwide, affiliated with the International Federation of Audit Bureaux of Circulations (IFABC).

[2][3] At the turn of the 20th century, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) observed a market need for verifiable, authenticated circulation figures from print publishers.

As a result, in 1914, advertisers, ad agencies and publishers in the U.S. and Canada united to form the first Audit Bureau of Circulations to bring trust and accountability to the print media market.

Additionally, any individual, firm or corporation that requires access to media data may apply for an associate membership.

AAM serves as an industry forum, connecting advertisers, ad agencies and publishers to discuss issues and trends and set standards.