Associated Press
Overview
The Associated Press (AP) is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest and largest news organizations in the world, serving as a source of news, photos, graphics, audio and video for more than one billion people a day.
History
The AP was formed by five daily newspapers in New York City to share the cost of transmitting news of the Mexican War. The venture was successful, prompting the newspapers to form a permanent cooperative, with headquarters in New York City. The AP quickly grew, opening offices around the world and pioneering new methods of news gathering and reporting. Its commitment to the highest standards of objective, accurate journalism has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes.
Organization and Structure
The AP is governed by an elected board of directors. Since April 2017, the AP's president and CEO has been Gary Pruitt. The AP is owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists. The AP operates 263 news bureaus in 106 countries. It also operates the AP Radio Network, which provides newscasts twice hourly for broadcast and satellite radio and television stations.
Services
The AP provides a wide range of services to its members and customers. These include news reports in various formats (text, photo, video, graphics), as well as specialized services such as election returns, financial data, and sports statistics. The AP's news reports are disseminated via satellite and the Internet to more than 1,200 U.S. daily newspaper members, thousands of radio and television outlets, and millions of individual users worldwide.
Impact and Influence
The AP's reporting has had a significant impact on history and society. Its coverage of wars, political upheavals, natural disasters, and other major events has shaped public understanding and influenced policy. The AP's commitment to accuracy and fairness has also contributed to its reputation as a trusted source of news.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like any large organization, the AP has faced criticism and controversy. These have included accusations of bias, errors in reporting, and disputes over its use of freelance journalists' work. The AP has generally responded to these criticisms by reaffirming its commitment to journalistic integrity and taking steps to address any shortcomings.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the AP is focusing on digital transformation, with an emphasis on mobile and social media. It is also exploring new business models to support its journalism in the face of industry-wide financial challenges.