Our mission is to advance the power of facts
In 1846, five New York City newspapers funded a pony express route through Alabama to bring news of the Mexican War north faster than the U.S. Post Office could deliver it.
And The Associated Press was born.
400k
stories per year
80k
videos per year
1.2m
photos per year
Our history
We were the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Since 1846, we have been first to inform the world of many of history’s most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.
Today we operate in almost 250 locations in nearly 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world’s stories.
Corporate Archives
We maintain an official repository for all records of enduring historical value created by AP, regardless of format.
News values and principles
We insist on the highest levels of ethics and integrity in gathering and delivering the news. Learn about the values that drive our news report.
Our leadership
We are guided by a management committee and board of directors devoted to shaping the future of journalism.