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No matter where you get your news—the internet, television, newspaper or radio—you’ve likely heard reporters give credit to the Associated Press (AP) as a source. But you won’t find an AP television channel or newspaper. So, who are they? What exactly is the AP, and why is it considered influential in reporting and beyond? Let’s take a closer look at the AP, its impact and why it is considered a trusted source for news and style guidance.
What and who is the AP?
The Associated Press (AP) is a globally recognized not-for-profit news cooperative that has been at the heart of journalism for nearly two centuries. It was established in 1846 in New York City by five newspapers that aimed to share the costs of covering the Mexican-American War. Their collaborations resulted in the AP, which introduced the concept of cooperative newsgathering and laid the groundwork for modern syndicated news.
Operating as a cooperative means it is owned and governed by its member organizations. These members include most news outlets you’ve heard of, including thousands of newspapers, radio stations, TV broadcasters, and online media located primarily in the United States, but with significant worldwide influence. Notable members include organizations like The New York Times, The Washington Post, the major news stations (ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX News), and radio stations such as NPR, to name a few. This ownership model is designed to ensure that AP operates independently, free from outside influences that could compromise its journalistic mission.
So, in a nutshell, AP is a newsgatherer that shares news, photos and videos that its members can choose to use. The AP's mission is simple yet powerful—to deliver accurate, unbiased and timely news to audiences worldwide. This newsgathering network of journalists, photographers and editors are stationed in over 250 locations across 100+ countries. From breaking news to investigative stories, the AP covers global politics, economics, entertainment, sports and more. Its cooperative model, combined with a commitment to impartial and fact-checked reporting, makes the AP a benchmark for credibility in journalism. Unlike profit-driven media outlets, the AP’s goal is to focus solely on public interest, ensuring its news remains free from sensationalism or bias.
Setting Standards with the AP Stylebook
One of the AP's contributions is its AP Stylebook, often called "the bible of journalism." This resource ensures that written content maintains uniformity in grammar, punctuation, spelling and usage. An example of this is preferred spellings, (such as "email" without a hyphen) and proper capitalization, (such as "website" remains lowercase and one word). By adhering to the AP Stylebook, writers across industries can ensure their content is accurate, dependable and easy to read—qualities that resonate with readers everywhere.
The AP Stylebook isn't just for journalists. It is widely adopted by businesses, marketers and public relations teams worldwide. Consistent branding, clarity in messaging and polished language are pivotal for any organization aiming to maintain trust with its audience. A well-written press release or marketing campaign adhering to AP standards ensures your message is not only noticed, but respected.
It’s important to note that the Stylebook is regularly updated to keep pace with changing language norms, technological advancements, and evolving societal considerations. Updates are made as language or style changes become consistent in usage.
Takeaway – it helps everyone
The AP is not just a news organization; it's considered a foundational pillar in journalism. From its humble beginnings in 1846 to its global reach today, the AP has consistently delivered unbiased and trustworthy news while setting industry standards with its Stylebook.
Even if you’re just engaging as a reader, understanding the AP's resources can enrich how you communicate and consume information. If you are interested in ensuring that your message is as strong as possible, contact AOE for help in delivering clear, consistent communications!