AP Style

Definition

AP Style, or Associated Press Style, is a standardized writing style used primarily in journalism and news reporting. It provides guidelines for grammar, punctuation, usage, and principles of reporting that ensure consistency and clarity across news articles. This style is essential for editing and proofreading to maintain journalistic integrity and to present hard news in a clear, concise manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AP Style emphasizes clarity and brevity, often favoring simple language over complex constructions to make news accessible to a broad audience.
2. It provides specific rules for numbers, dates, times, and abbreviations that are crucial for maintaining consistency in reporting.
3. Using AP Style helps journalists avoid bias and ambiguity by promoting neutrality in word choice and phrasing.
4. This style also includes guidelines on how to attribute sources properly, which is vital for maintaining credibility in news reporting.
5. AP Style is regularly updated to reflect changes in language use and societal norms, so it's important for journalists to stay current with these revisions.

Review Questions

• How does AP Style influence the editing and proofreading process for news articles?
  • AP Style provides a framework that editors use to ensure articles are clear, consistent, and professional. During the editing process, adherence to AP guidelines helps identify issues with grammar, punctuation, and formatting that might confuse readers. By following AP Style, editors can maintain journalistic standards that enhance the credibility of the publication.
• What are some key differences between AP Style and other writing styles that journalists must consider?
  • AP Style differs from other writing styles like Chicago or MLA primarily in its approach to language simplicity, punctuation rules, and citation practices. For example, AP Style prefers numerals for numbers 10 and above while spelling out numbers one through nine. Additionally, AP Style emphasizes clarity over complex grammar structures which is vital for effective hard news writing. Journalists must adapt their writing to fit AP standards to ensure uniformity across news outlets.
• Evaluate the impact of following AP Style on the public's perception of news media credibility.
  • Following AP Style enhances the perceived credibility of news media by promoting accuracy and consistency in reporting. When journalists adhere to these guidelines, they present information clearly and objectively, which fosters trust among readers. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, the commitment to standardized writing styles like AP helps establish a reliable framework that audiences can depend on for factual reporting, thereby strengthening the overall integrity of the journalism profession.

Related terms

Lead: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news article that summarizes the main point and grabs the reader's attention.

Inverted Pyramid: A writing structure commonly used in journalism where the most important information is presented at the beginning, followed by supporting details.

Copy Editing: The process of reviewing and correcting written material to improve accuracy, clarity, and coherence, ensuring adherence to AP Style guidelines.