Circulation now over 49,000 for Chesterfield Observer

This week, the Chesterfield Observer is increasing its circulation to 49,514, an increase of over 4,000. The newspaper has the third largest weekly circulation in Virginia behind two northern Virginia weeklies and ahead of Style Weekly (40,242, according to this year's Virginia Press Association listing), which is ranked fourth statewide.

Most of the Chesterfield Observer's circulation is sent bulk mail to 39,064 homes and businesses in the county, an increase of 3,463. The remaining copies are available free at numerous pick up locations (see page 19) countywide, including libraries, post offices and many retail locations. The newspaper also has a Web site at www.ChesterfieldObserver.com.

Because its weekday Chesterfield circulation is greater than the Richmond daily newspaper and its ad rates are much lower, the Chesterfield Observer was given the county commitment to carry legal notices earlier this year. According to the daily paper's Web site, its Monday-Friday circulation was 35,791 in March 2006.

The Chesterfield Observer's independent audit during the spring of 2006 reported a circulation of 45,068 with 35,601 mailed. An audit for 2007 is currently underway.