Advertising Information

Few may realize the alternative newsweekly industry has been a vibrant voice for its readers for over fifty years. Consistent in this rich history has been a fervent passion to serve as a reflection of, and a resource for, the active urban adult audience.

Who reads us? The alternative newsweekly has grown with its audience. While the early years might have been characterized by social and political exploration, fifty years later, this audience has defined itself by exploring urban experiences – from civic activities to fine dining, music, entertainment, and other cultural attractions.

As a resource for it’s community these papers have earned a loyal audience of both the Boomers, who have stayed with the paper over the years, and the twenty-something cultural creatives using the paper as a resource for consuming urban experiences.

History

Launched in 1972, Creative Loafing is older than most cable networks and has cornered the market on Atlanta arts and entertainment – no one else even comes close. Throw in hard-hitting editorial and the Loaf is showing no signs of slowing down in its fourth decade.

Creative Loafing, Charlotte was started in 1987 as the first venture into other markets. Over the years, CL has made its distinctive mark in the Charlotte market by emphasizing quality writing, hard hitting stories and the most complete arts, entertainment and events listings in the area.

Started in 1988, Weekly Planet is now the third largest newspaper in the Tampa Bay area. Our award-winning news stories are rooted in a commitment to the community and an independent perspective that puts the greater interests of that community first.

The Planet expanded its imprint on the Gulf Coast in 1998 by starting an edition for the Sarasota market, offering the same blend of “read and do” journalism for this growing cultural center of western Florida.

Urban Exploration: Our Corporate Mission

Urban Exploration

Urban adults define themselves through their exploration. What they seek are fresh and authentic experiences as they explore perspective, people, places and products. The mission for Creative Loafing Media is to facilitate that exploration.

The Urbavore

We call our core audience Urbavores. Urbavores live for, thrive on and consume the urban experience. They value being individualistic, involved, independent and informed.

Our Mission

Creative Loafing Media helps these Urbavores stand independent of the mainstream by connecting them with unique experiences. We are unmatched as a resource for people seeking authentic experiences…whether they involve unusual places, unique events or interesting perspectives and people. Our brand validates their search for uniqueness and authenticity. It rewards them with knowledge, insights and experiences that allow them to feel independent of the mainstream.

About Creative Loafing...

When readers pick up Creative Loafing, they know they’ll get a fresh perspective on news and social issues; authoritative commentary on local and national music, cuisine, arts and entertainment events; and the best guide to restaurants and things to do in the Charlotte area, from poetry readings, lectures and wine tastings to outdoor concerts, hip-hop competitions and sporting events. Creative Loafing readers have active lifestyles and curious minds. They work hard, play hard and look for new experiences, new ideas and new relationships. They care about their community and do what they can to make it a good, diverse place where everyone can work and play in harmony. Creative Loafing readers look to the paper’s articles, listings and ads to provide them with information on where and how to get out an experience life in Charlotte.

Circulation and Distribution Creative Loafing is the largest alternative newspaper chain in the Southeast. Expand your message by running your ad campaign in our Atlanta, Charlotte, Tampa and Sarasota markets. Creative Loafing is available free to readers every Wednesday via racks and boxes located throughout the Charlotte Metro Area. (Distribution begins on Tuesday afternoons.) Your Account Executive can provide you with recent circulation figures, circulation audit reports, and specific distribution points including area restaurants, nightclubs and retail establishments.

We offer a variety of regional and localized circulation rate packages to fit your specific marketing needs.

Creative Loafing Policies

Classified Advertising: Our classified section offers traditional categories for real estate, rentals and employment ads as well as non-traditional sections for personals, metaphysical and back page advertising. Classified ads make a great complement to your display campaign. Call (704)522-8334 to speak directly to a classified rep. See our Adult Guidelines for our policies on accepting adult advertising.

Credit Policies: Payment must be received by 3:30 p.m. on Friday before the publication date for all advertising unless a completed credit application has been approved and credit terms have been established through the accounting department. We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express along with checks, money orders and check-by-phone as methods of payment.

Advertising Deadlines: Deadines are the week prior to the publication date, although deadlines may be moved up 24 hours in the event of holidays, special issues or early print deadlines. • Space reservations & ads requiring proofs: Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. • Final ad copy & layout (non-proofs): Thursday, 5:00 p.m. • Digital ads: Friday, 12:00 p.m. (noon) • Payment: Friday, 3:30 p.m. • All corrections: Friday, 5:00 p.m.

Demographics: Updated demographic information showing our readership in hundreds of specific target markets is provided by Media Audit, a semi-annual survey published by International Demographics in Houston comparing audience profiles for local print, television, radio, outdoor and direct mail.

Design & production: Creative Loafing employs a staff of design professionals dedicated to creating ads that generate response for our clients. We’ve established design criteria with this goal in mind and offer design assistance, clip art, stock imagery and a variety of font styles to help convey your message clearly. If you would like to provide us with your own artwork, photos, logos, etc., please supply high-quality images that will reproduce well on newsprint. There is no additional charge for our design services.

Inserts: Preprinted Inserts are offered and can be circulated in up to 3 targeted zones throughout the Charlotte Metro Area. Costs are based per thousand with a minimum purchase of 10,000. Glossy paper inserts are not recommended. All inserts are subject to Publisher approval. Advertiser is responsible for delivering inserts to our printers by noon on Friday prior to publication.

Placement of ads within Creative Loafing: Ads are placed by nature of content. Our readers can expect to find movie ads in the film section, restaurant ads in the food section, retail accounts in the news section, services and special events in the calendar of events section, etc. Speak to your Account Executive if you have questions regarding placement. We do not knowingly accept ads that intend to defraud or mislead our readers in any way. All advertising is subject to Publisher approval.

Special issue schedule Throughout the year, Creative Loafing produces several special themed issues and supplements. Ask for an updated schedule to help plan your annual or seasonal advertising campaigns and take advantage of special coverage. Special issues include: • Best of Charlotte • Urban Explorer’s Handbook • Southeastern Music Issue • Food Issue • Summer Guide • Fall Arts Previews • Holiday Guide

Web advertising: Ask your Account Executive about online promotional opportunities including our “Free and Fun Stuff” giveaways, sponsorships, and more traditional online banner advertising.

Promotional Outlets

In addition to advertising, we can help you build promotions with ticket giveaways, contests and event sponsorships. We also offer several promotional programs to help you build relationships with our consumers. Through these special programs you can reach specific target demographics, increase your business and leave a lasting impression with your customers.

• The Street Team The Street Team is a group of fun, outgoing individuals who enjoy exploring the urban landscape. Street Teamers will go to hot spots around town promoting our partners, helping people discover what their great city has to offer. They are our expert guides to urban exploration. www.charlotteeats.com/

• Bites Similar to our Eats program, but with bars and taverns, we partner with some of the city’s hottest nightspots to offer our consumers great deals.