The first full-month audited circulation figure for the spin-off title had been expected to be , for the month of December. The first full month's audited figure is now likely to be for the month of January, according to an industry source.
The national newspaper, aimed at "lapsed readers of quality newspapers," launched on 26 October 2010, but parent company Independent Print Limited has as so far refused to issue copy sales figures.
According to the source, executives want a settled audited circulation figure that its sales teams can use to trade with media agencies. As with most newspaper launches, i has so far been subject to volatile buying patterns.
The delay of the publication of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABCs) figures comes as the paper is this month set to begin to charge for advertising space for the first time. Since launch, advertisers within the main paper have been offered space as part of their deals with The Independent.
The i sales team will be negotiating rates with agencies as they look to bolster its 20p cover price revenue stream with advertising revenue.
The i declined to comment. The Audit Bureau of Circulations said it did not comment ahead of publication of audited figures.
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