What is the Associated Press (AP) and what is its primary function?

The Associated Press (AP) is an American not-for-profit news agency headquartered in New York City. Its primary function is to gather and distribute news reports to its members, which include major U.S. daily newspapers and radio and television broadcasters. It operates as a cooperative and an unincorporated association.

When was the Associated Press founded and what was the initial purpose of its formation?

The Associated Press was founded on May 22, 1846. Its initial purpose was to share the costs of transmitting news regarding the Mexican-American War among five New York City daily newspapers.

Which New York City newspapers were the founding members of the Associated Press?

The founding newspapers of the Associated Press were The Sun, the New York Herald, the New York Courier and Enquirer, The Journal of Commerce, and the New York Evening Express. The New-York Tribune and The New York Times later joined as members in 1849 and September 1851, respectively.

What led to the reorganization of the New York Associated Press (NYAP) and the formation of the current Associated Press?

The NYAP faced criticism for monopolistic practices and price setting. An investigation by Victor Lawson revealed a secret agreement between NYAP principals and a rival, United Press, to share news and profits. This led to the demise of the NYAP, and in December 1892, the Western Associated Press was incorporated in Illinois as the Associated Press.

What was the significance of the 1900 Illinois Supreme Court decision regarding the Associated Press?

In 1900, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in Inter Ocean Publishing Co. v. Associated Press that the AP was a public utility operating in restraint of trade. This decision prompted the AP to move its headquarters from Chicago to New York City, where corporation laws were more favorable to cooperatives.

Who was Melville Stone and what was his role in the AP's development?

Melville Stone, who had previously founded the Chicago Daily News, served as the general manager of the reorganized Associated Press from 1893 to 1921. During his tenure, the AP grew significantly and became one of the world's most prominent news agencies.

How did the AP adapt to new technologies for news transmission in the early 20th century?

The AP adopted teletype for its New York service in 1914, which transmitted news directly to printers over telegraph wires, eventually building a worldwide network of these machines. In 1935, it launched Wirephoto, the first wire service for news photographs, enabling transmission of images on the same day they were taken.

What was Kent Cooper's contribution to the Associated Press?

Kent Cooper served as AP's general manager from 1925 to 1948. He was instrumental in expanding the AP's bureau staff in South America, Europe, and the Middle East, and he worked to renegotiate contracts within a press agency cartel involving Reuters and Havas to give AP a stronger competitive position.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case Associated Press v. United States in 1945?

In 1945, the Supreme Court ruled that the AP had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act. The Court found that the AP's rules prohibiting member newspapers from selling or providing news to non-members, and making it difficult for non-members to join, constituted an illegal restraint of trade.

When did the AP enter the broadcast news sector, and what developments followed?

The AP began distributing news to radio stations in 1941 and established its own radio network in 1974. In 1994, it launched APTV, a global video newsgathering agency, which later merged to form APTN, providing video content to international broadcasters and websites.

How has the AP's revenue model evolved over time?

The AP's revenue has diversified significantly. By 2007, only about 30% of its revenue came from U.S. newspapers, a figure that dropped to 10% by 2024. The majority of its income now comes from global broadcast customers (37%), online ventures (15%), and international newspapers and photography (18%).

What significant changes occurred in the AP's relationship with major newspaper publishers in 2024?

In March 2024, Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, announced it would cease using AP content. Newspaper chain McClatchy also stated it would stop using some AP services. Both companies, however, planned to continue using AP's election results data.

How does the AP utilize web resources and online platforms?

The AP's content is widely distributed through web portals like Yahoo! and MSN, often serving as a primary source for breaking news. Google News also receives AP content, though there was a temporary interruption due to a licensing dispute. AP content also shows high engagement on social media platforms like Facebook.

What initiative has the AP launched to address the crisis in local news?

In June 2024, the AP announced the launch of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at expanding state and local news coverage. The goal is to raise at least $100 million in philanthropic funds to support local journalism.

What key technological advancements has the AP implemented throughout its history?

Key technological implementations include the adoption of teletype in 1914, the launch of the Wirephoto network for transmitting photographs in 1935, the expansion into broadcast news in 1941, and the establishment of APTV for video newsgathering in 1994. More recently, it launched AP Mobile in 2008 and AP VoteCast for election data in 2018.

Who is the current chairperson of the Associated Press board of directors?

As of 2022, Gracia C. Martore, former president and CEO of Tegna, Inc., serves as the chairperson of the AP's elected board of directors.

How does the AP operate in countries with restricted press freedom?

The AP maintains over 100 regional offices and reports from countries where press freedom is restricted, often under challenging or adverse circumstances.

What legal action did the AP take against the Trump administration in 2025?

In February 2025, the AP sued the Trump administration in Associated Press v. Budowich. The lawsuit stemmed from restrictions placed on AP reporters, including being barred from White House events, allegedly due to the AP's refusal to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America'.

What was the outcome of the initial legal challenge regarding AP's White House access restrictions in 2025?

A federal judge declined to issue an immediate order compelling the White House to reinstate AP's access but encouraged them to do so. Subsequently, a U.S. Court of Appeals imposed a stay, allowing the White House to continue barring access to some media events while the lawsuit proceeds.

What role does the AP play in U.S. election results?

The AP is one of two organizations responsible for collecting and verifying election results across all U.S. cities and counties. Major news outlets rely on AP's data, particularly for presidential elections, to declare winners.

How does the AP verify election results?

The AP relies on a network of local reporters with firsthand knowledge and relationships with local officials. They also monitor county websites and electronic feeds, and their research team verifies results by considering demographics and ballot information.

What is AP VoteCast and why was it developed?

AP VoteCast is a system developed in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago, introduced in 2018. It was designed to improve the reliability of election data and overcome biases associated with traditional exit polls.

What is the AP's involvement in sports polling?

The AP conducts polls for various college sports in the United States, notably college football and college basketball. These polls, established in 1936 for football and 1949 for basketball, are influential in determining rankings and national attention.

What sports awards does the Associated Press issue?

The AP issues several sports awards, including the Major League Baseball Manager of the Year Award (discontinued in 2001), AP College Basketball Player of the Year, AP College Basketball Coach of the Year, and various NFL awards such as MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

What is the AP Stylebook and who uses it?

The AP Stylebook is a style and usage guide for American English grammar, punctuation, and reporting principles, created by AP journalists. It is widely adopted by writers in broadcasting, news, magazine publishing, marketing, and public relations.

How has the AP Stylebook been distributed and updated?

The first edition was published in 1953, with the first modern edition in 1977. Subsequent editions have been released in various formats, including paperback, spiral-bound, digital e-books, and online subscriptions. The AP also provides grammar recommendations via social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

What controversy arose from the AP's collaboration with Nazi Germany?

Research revealed that the AP collaborated with Nazi Germany by providing access to its photographic archives for propaganda purposes and cooperating through censorship. This included exchanging photos via diplomatic pouch during WWII, even while the U.S. was at war with Germany.

What was the Tuvia Grossman photograph incident and its impact?

In 2000, the AP published a photograph of a bloodied young man, mislabeling him as Palestinian and the scene as the Temple Mount. In reality, the injured man was Tuvia Grossman, a Jewish student being protected by an Israeli officer from a Palestinian mob. This incident is often cited as an example of anti-Israel media bias and was a catalyst for the founding of HonestReporting.

What happened when the Israeli army struck the al-Jalaa Highrise building in Gaza in 2021?

During the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis, the Israeli army destroyed the al-Jalaa Highrise, which housed AP's Gaza offices and Al Jazeera's offices. Israel stated the building contained Hamas military intelligence, but the AP CEO requested evidence and noted the loss of reporting capability from Gaza.

What controversy surrounded the firing of Emily Wilder by the AP?

In May 2021, the AP fired news associate Emily Wilder, citing multiple violations of its social media policy due to her pro-Palestinian views expressed online. This led to concerns from other AP journalists about the termination's basis and the company's social media policies.

What incident involved the FBI impersonating an AP journalist?

In 2007, an FBI agent in Seattle impersonated an AP journalist to infect a suspect's computer with surveillance software. The AP strongly condemned the act, demanding the FBI cease impersonating news media. A subsequent lawsuit resulted in a court ruling favoring the AP in 2017.

What was the AP's stance on blogs using its headlines and summaries in 2008?

In 2008, the AP issued DMCA takedown demands and threatened legal action against blogs for using headlines and short summaries of AP articles, contending copyright infringement. Many bloggers argued this fell under fair use and common internet practices.

How was the copyright dispute between the AP and Shepard Fairey resolved regarding the 'Obama Hope' poster?

The AP sued artist Shepard Fairey for using an AP photograph without credit or compensation for his 'Obama Hope' poster. The lawsuit was settled in January 2011, with both parties agreeing to share reproduction rights and profits, without either side admitting wrongdoing.

What happened when the AP's Twitter account was hacked in 2013?

In April 2013, hackers posted a false tweet from the AP's account claiming an attack on the White House and that President Obama was injured. This hoax caused a brief but significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, known as a flash crash.

What controversy arose from the Justice Department's subpoena of AP reporters' phone records in 2013?

In May 2013, the AP announced that the U.S. Justice Department had subpoenaed phone records for 20 of its reporters. The AP described this as an "unprecedented intrusion" into news-gathering operations, related to a criminal investigation into a leak about a CIA counter-terrorism operation.

What was the outcome of the AP's NFT initiative involving a migrant boat photograph?

In February 2022, the AP announced an NFT marketplace and promoted an aerial photo of a migrant boat. The NFT was pulled and the sale canceled following backlash accusing the AP of profiting from human suffering, with the AP issuing an apology for the poor choice of imagery.

How many Pulitzer Prizes has the Associated Press won?

The Associated Press has earned 59 Pulitzer Prizes since the award's inception in 1917, including 36 for photography.

What Oscar did the AP win in 2024?

In 2024, the AP won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film for '20 Days in Mariupol,' a film documenting the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

What is the AP's role in collecting and verifying election results across the United States?

The AP is one of two organizations that collect and verify election results in every U.S. city and county, providing data that major news outlets rely on to declare winners in political races, including presidential elections.

How did the AP's relationship with Gannett and McClatchy change in 2024?

In March 2024, Gannett, the largest U.S. newspaper publisher, announced it would stop using AP content, and McClatchy also decided to reduce its use of AP services. Both companies, however, will continue to utilize AP's election results data.

What is the AP Stylebook and what does it cover?

The AP Stylebook is a comprehensive guide for American English grammar, punctuation, and reporting standards. It provides rules and definitions for capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, and numerals, serving as a reference for journalists and writers.

What was the controversy surrounding the 2020 Pulitzer Prize awarded to AP photographers Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan, and Channi Anand?

The Pulitzer Prize awarded to these AP photographers for their coverage of lockdown in Kashmir sparked controversy, as some interpreted their use of the word 'independence' in relation to the revocation of Article 370 as questioning India's legitimacy over Kashmir.

What is the significance of the 'Associated Press v. United States' Supreme Court ruling?

The 1945 Supreme Court ruling in 'Associated Press v. United States' determined that the AP had violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by restricting news sharing among its members, impacting how news cooperatives could operate.

How does the AP distribute its news reports?

The AP distributes news reports to its members, which include major U.S. daily newspapers and broadcasters. It also serves international subscribers and online customers, distributing content in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

What is the AP's global reach in terms of news bureaus?

The AP operates 235 news bureaus in 94 countries worldwide, enabling it to gather and distribute news on a global scale.

What is the AP's stance on reporting in areas with restricted press freedom?

The AP reports from countries where press freedom is restricted, often under adverse circumstances, utilizing its network of regional offices to gather information.

What is the AP's role in college sports rankings?

The AP conducts influential polls for college football and basketball, releasing rankings that are widely followed and often used to determine national champions or provide national attention to teams.

What was the 'hot news' controversy involving the AP and All Headline News?

In 2009, the AP sued All Headline News (AHN) for copyright infringement and a 'quasi-property' right to facts, alleging AHN copied facts from AP reports without permission. The lawsuit was largely dismissed, and the parties eventually settled.

What is the AP's stated mission, and how has digital technology affected it?

The AP's mission has remained consistent since its founding: to cover news fully and promptly. Digital technology has transformed the distribution of its news reports into an interactive endeavor involving the AP and its diverse membership and customer base.

What is the purpose of the AP Stylebook's presence on social media?

The AP Stylebook uses social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to provide English grammar recommendations, extending its reach and engagement beyond traditional print and digital publications.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit Associated Press v. Budowich?

In Associated Press v. Budowich, the AP sued the Trump administration over access restrictions. While a federal judge initially ruled the White House must lift restrictions, a court of appeals later imposed a stay, allowing the White House to continue barring access to some events.

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About the Associated Press

Organizational Structure

The Associated Press (AP) is a distinguished American not-for-profit news agency, operating as a cooperative. Headquartered in New York City, it was established on May 22, 1846. Its foundational structure as a cooperative ensures that its member newspapers and broadcasters collectively own and govern the organization, fostering a shared commitment to news dissemination.

Global Reach and Impact

The AP maintains an extensive international presence, operating 235 news bureaus across 94 countries. Its news reports, distributed in English, Spanish, and Arabic, reach a vast audience, making it one of the most influential news organizations globally. By 2025, AP's digital platforms attracted over 128 million monthly website visits, underscoring its significant role in contemporary information consumption.

Recognition and Standards

Since the inception of the Pulitzer Prize in 1917, the AP has been honored with 59 awards, including 36 for photography. This recognition highlights its commitment to journalistic excellence. Furthermore, the AP publishes the widely referenced AP Stylebook, a crucial guide for grammar, punctuation, and reporting standards in American English.

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Development

Founded in May 1846 by five New York City daily newspapers, the AP's initial purpose was to share the costs associated with transmitting news of the Mexican-American War. Initially known as the New York Associated Press (NYAP), the organization underwent significant restructuring following revelations of secret agreements with rivals. In December 1892, the Western Associated Press was incorporated as the Associated Press, marking a pivotal moment in its organizational evolution.

Legal and Technological Milestones

A landmark 1900 Illinois Supreme Court decision declared the AP a public utility, influencing its relocation to New York City for more favorable cooperative laws. The organization embraced technological advancements, adopting teletype services in 1914 and launching Wirephoto, the world's first wire service for photographs, in 1935. A significant legal challenge in 1945, Associated Press v. United States, found the AP in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act for restricting news sharing.

Expansion and Diversification

Under leaders like Melville Stone and Kent Cooper, the AP expanded its international reach and diversified its services, entering broadcast news in 1941 and establishing the AP Radio Network in 1974 and APTV (later APTN) in 1994. By 2007, revenue from U.S. newspapers constituted only about 30% of the AP's income, with broadcast, online, and international sources becoming increasingly significant. Recent years have seen shifts in its client relationships, with major newspaper chains like Gannett and McClatchy altering their engagement with AP content.

Operational Scope and Network

Global Bureau Network

The AP's operational backbone is its extensive network of 235 news bureaus situated across 94 countries. This widespread presence enables the collection and dissemination of news from virtually every corner of the globe, ensuring comprehensive coverage of international events and diverse perspectives.

Distribution Channels

News content is distributed through various channels, including wire services for print media, the AP Radio Network for broadcast, and APTN for video content. The organization also maintains a significant online presence, with its websites attracting millions of monthly visitors, reflecting the evolving landscape of news consumption.

Cooperative Membership

As a cooperative, the AP's member organizations are integral to its operation. Most member news organizations grant the AP permission to distribute their local news reports, creating a symbiotic relationship that enriches the collective news output. Non-member organizations can subscribe to AP material for a fee, extending its reach beyond the cooperative structure.

Key Services and Resources

News and Information

The core service of the AP is the provision of timely, accurate, and unbiased news reports. This includes text-based news wires, photography, and video services, covering a vast spectrum of topics from global politics and economics to sports and culture.

The AP Stylebook

The AP Stylebook is a definitive guide for American English grammar, punctuation, and reporting principles. It provides essential rules for capitalization, abbreviation, spelling, and numeral usage, serving as a critical reference for journalists and writers to ensure consistency and clarity in communication.

Polling and Election Data

The AP is a primary source for election results and polling data in the United States, having tracked presidential election data since 1848. It also conducts influential polls for college sports, providing valuable insights and rankings that shape public perception and competitive discourse.

Accolades and Recognition

Pulitzer Prizes

The Associated Press has a distinguished record of journalistic achievement, evidenced by its 59 Pulitzer Prizes. This includes 36 awards specifically for photography, underscoring the profound impact of visual storytelling in news reporting. These accolades reflect the AP's consistent dedication to high-quality journalism.

Academy Award Recognition

In a testament to its expanding media capabilities, the AP received an Academy Award in 2024 for its contribution to the documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol. This award recognizes the AP's role in documenting critical global events through powerful visual narratives.

Notable Controversies and Criticisms

Historical and Political Context

The AP's long history includes periods of significant controversy. These have ranged from allegations of collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II, involving photo exchanges and censorship, to complex reporting challenges related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where accusations of bias and factual inaccuracies have been raised. Incidents such as the Tuvia Grossman photograph miscaptioning and the 2021 airstrike on its Gaza offices have drawn international scrutiny.

Legal and Ethical Challenges

The organization has faced various legal and ethical challenges throughout its existence. These include lawsuits concerning copyright infringement (e.g., the Shepard Fairey case), accusations of fabricating sources (Christopher Newton), and disputes over fair-use practices on the internet. Furthermore, the Justice Department's subpoena of AP reporters' phone records in 2013 highlighted tensions between press freedom and government investigations.

Digital Age Controversies

In the digital era, the AP has navigated controversies related to social media policies (e.g., the Emily Wilder case), the removal of livestreams, and the handling of sensitive content, such as the migrant boat NFT incident, which drew criticism for perceived insensitivity. These events underscore the ongoing challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity and public trust in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Transition to Nonprofit Status

Initiative for Local News

In a strategic move to address the crisis in local news, the AP announced in June 2024 the launch of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This initiative aims to bolster state and local news coverage by raising substantial philanthropic funds, signaling a commitment to supporting foundational journalism in communities across the United States.

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References

Vance, Joyce, Trump Versus the Free Press, Civil Discourse with Joyce Vance, Substack, April 8, 2025

A full list of references for this article are available at the Associated Press Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an artificial intelligence system for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the content reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments.

This is not professional journalistic or media advice. The information presented is intended for academic study and should not substitute consultation with media professionals or adherence to official industry standards. Users are encouraged to critically evaluate the information and consult primary sources for definitive guidance.

The creators of this educational resource are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

AP Unveiled

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About the Associated Press ℹ️

🏢 Organizational Structure

🌍 Global Reach and Impact

🏆 Recognition and Standards

Historical Trajectory 📜

📅 Founding and Early Development

🏛️ Legal and Technological Milestones

🌐 Expansion and Diversification

Operational Scope and Network 🌍

📍 Global Bureau Network

📡 Distribution Channels

🤝 Cooperative Membership

Key Services and Resources 📰

✍️ News and Information

📚 The AP Stylebook

📊 Polling and Election Data

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

🏅 Pulitzer Prizes

🎬 Academy Award Recognition

Notable Controversies and Criticisms ⚖️

⚔️ Historical and Political Context

⚖️ Legal and Ethical Challenges

📱 Digital Age Controversies

Transition to Nonprofit Status 🤝

🌱 Initiative for Local News

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice for Learners

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About the Associated Press

Organizational Structure

Global Reach and Impact

Recognition and Standards

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Development

Legal and Technological Milestones

Expansion and Diversification

Operational Scope and Network

Global Bureau Network

Distribution Channels

Cooperative Membership

Key Services and Resources

News and Information

The AP Stylebook

Polling and Election Data

Accolades and Recognition

Pulitzer Prizes

Academy Award Recognition

Notable Controversies and Criticisms

Historical and Political Context

Legal and Ethical Challenges

Digital Age Controversies

Transition to Nonprofit Status

Initiative for Local News

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Learners