A new board for Audited Media will be formed with ABC chairman Stephen Hollings and CAB president Harley Slatter becoming chairman and deputy chairman respectively.

The merger was endorsed by members of both organisations and, according to Slatter, the move reflected their expanding role in providing the media industry with independently audited data covering print, digital, web and email publications, and events.

“This single voice of accountability will represent the many facets of the media industry and provide a platform to promote the value of audited media to the business, media, marketing and advertising community more effectively,” he said.

However, the merger was based on streamlining the financial and administrative functions of the bodies as the existing audit and reporting rules for ABC and CAB audit services will remain the same and the two brands will be retained,

According to ABC and CAB chief executive Paul Dovas (pictured): “We want our members to benefit from the creation of one new legal entity encompassing the ABC and CAB while still retaining our two distinct brands.”