Associated Press (AP) — American not-for-profit news cooperative

History and mission

The agency was founded in the 19th century by a group of newspapers that wanted to share the cost of gathering news from distant locations and to receive fast telegraph reports. Over time the AP expanded from text wire services into photography, radio and television feeds, and later into digital and multimedia products. The organization describes its mission as producing impartial, accurate and fast reporting for a wide range of media customers and the public.

Organization, services and products

The AP maintains a global network of journalists, bureaus and stringers. Its core offerings include a continuous newswire of text stories, editorial photos and video, data feeds for elections and sports results, graphics and interactive content, and fact-checking services. It also publishes guidance on journalistic style and attribution that is widely used in the United States and beyond. Subscribers and licensees receive material under contract; some AP content is published directly on branded channels and social media.

• Newswire and breaking news — real-time headlines and copy for editors
• Photos and multimedia — wire photos, video clips and visual journalism
• Data services — election returns, sports and specialized feeds
• Fact-checking and verification — claim reviews and corrections

Governance, staff and labor

The AP is governed by a board elected from its member newspapers and broadcasters; membership gives organizations a say in broad policy and direction. Much of the reporting is produced by staff journalists, many of whom belong to unions such as the Newspaper Guild. The cooperative structure and editorial independence distinguish the AP from commercial media conglomerates.

Global reach and resources

The AP operates hundreds of local news offices in more than 100 countries, enabling coverage of events that individual outlets could not sustain alone. Its bureaus and correspondents provide material that is syndicated widely, and its election, weather and sports data services are used by many outlets and platforms.

Controversies, accountability and legal issues

Like other large news organizations, the AP has faced disputes over access, privacy and government surveillance. In 2013 the U.S. Department of Justice acknowledged obtaining certain telephone records related to AP reporting; the matter prompted public discussion about press freedom and government investigation tactics. The AP and its leadership publicly criticized those actions as intrusions on newsgathering, while government officials provided their own statements about the scope and oversight of investigative steps.

Impact and further information

The AP has influenced journalism practice through its reporting standards, editorial products and style guidance. It has won numerous industry awards and remains a principal source of syndicated news for thousands of outlets. For official materials, membership information, editorial standards and press resources, see the AP’s pages on membership, about the AP, news services, editorial standards, media toolkit and public statements.