Advertising Information 

Few may realize the alternative newsweekly industry has been a vibrant voice for its readers for more than 50 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, 50 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.

About Creative Loafing

Founded in 1987, CL has made an indelible mark in the Charlotte market by emphasizing quality writing, solid reporting, sharp criticism and the most complete events listings in the area. CL distributes more than 47,000 copies of its print edition each Thursday to more than 1,300 locations and reaches more than 276,000 readers.

CL Charlotte offers readers a valuable print alternative to the daily newspaper in this New South metropolis, as well as a website (CLCLT.com) that provides a steady stream of daily news and cultural analysis, arts and entertainment reviews, video reports and other forms of multimedia. In its 25 years as the dominant alternative weekly newsmedia outlet, CL has steadily upped its presence in the Charlotte area and has repeatedly won statewide journalism awards.

Creative Loafing Charlotte is part of Womack Digital

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.

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 866-946-5686 to speak directly to a classified rep.

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: Deadlines 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 p.m.
• Final ad copy & layout (non-proofs): Thursday, 5 p.m.
• Digital ads: Friday, 12 p.m. (noon)
• Payment: Friday, 3:30 p.m.
• All corrections: Friday, 5 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
• Food Issue
• Summer Guide
• Fall Arts Previews

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

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