AP Byline Style Evolves to Reflect Multiplatform Work

Since the late 1920s, The Associated Press has used the phrase “Associated Press Writer” in its bylines. But as all things must change, that byline style is evolving to reflect the news service’s current multi-format nature.

Effective Oct. 26, after more than 80 years, the AP’s byline style will change to include the author’s name, followed by “Associated Press.” No longer will “Associated Press Writer” be used.

Thomas Kent, the AP’s deputy managing editor and the man responsible for editorial standards, told E&P the new platform-neutral style is “consistent with the change in AP journalists. It reflects what’s been going on for a long time — people go out, they take pictures, they write stories, they do video, they work on different platforms.”

Kent pointed out that the tag line “Associated Press” is already used on AP’s radio network and online videos: “This is a term we’ve used prominently on other platforms that we have experience with.”

While the change may seem slight to some, at first glance, Kent said, “it’s important to us, because it does say something about the changing skill set of our journalists, and that they work in may different formats.”

The change will not affect special bylines, such as "AP Political Writer," "AP Military Writer,” “AP Special Correspondent” and “AP Sportswriter.” Ten to 20 such bylines, Kent said, will continue to “emphasize special expertise” of those individuals.

In his memo to AP staffers, Kent writes, “These days, the byline on an AP story may rightfully belong to a text reporter, a photographer, a videographer or a radio reporter. For instance, photographer Aijaz Rahi bylined our coverage of a recent plane crash in India. Videographer Rich Matthews had his byline on Gulf oil spill stories. Some of our staffers have extensive multimedia skills and work with several platforms every day. Saying simply ‘Associated Press’ focuses on the important thing: that the material is from an Associated Press journalist.”