AP Style

Definition

AP Style, or Associated Press Style, is a set of guidelines for news writing and reporting that ensures consistency, clarity, and professionalism in journalistic communication. It emphasizes brevity and straightforwardness, making it essential for editors and those scripting radio news. Understanding AP Style helps journalists maintain a standard format that enhances readability and supports effective storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AP Style uses specific rules for punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, and numbers, helping to create a uniform approach across news organizations.
2. Dates are written as 'Jan. 1' rather than 'January 1' and times are formatted with lowercase 'a.m.' and 'p.m.' rather than using uppercase.
3. When writing numerals, AP Style typically spells out numbers one through nine and uses numerals for 10 and above.
4. AP Style encourages the use of active voice over passive voice, making writing more direct and engaging.
5. Attribution in AP Style often requires the use of 'said' rather than alternatives like 'stated' or 'declared,' keeping language simple and clear.

Review Questions

• How does AP Style impact the editing process in radio newsrooms?
  • AP Style greatly influences the editing process by providing a consistent framework that editors use to ensure clarity and uniformity in news scripts. Editors refer to AP guidelines when reviewing stories for adherence to punctuation, grammar, and formatting rules. This standardization not only enhances readability for listeners but also helps maintain professionalism across various radio broadcasts.
• Discuss how adherence to AP Style affects the effectiveness of scripting for radio news.
  • Adhering to AP Style significantly boosts the effectiveness of scripting for radio news by ensuring that information is presented clearly and concisely. This style prioritizes brevity and directness, allowing news scripts to be easily understood by audiences who rely on auditory communication. By following these guidelines, journalists can deliver their messages more powerfully, making it easier for listeners to grasp essential details quickly.
• Evaluate the implications of using inconsistent styles in radio news scripting on audience comprehension and trust.
  • Using inconsistent styles in radio news scripting can severely impact audience comprehension and trust. When different journalists apply varied formats, it creates confusion among listeners regarding information delivery. This inconsistency can lead to misinterpretation or skepticism about the credibility of the news being presented. Following AP Style promotes uniformity that enhances trustworthiness and allows audiences to focus on content rather than formatting discrepancies.

Related terms

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

Inverted Pyramid: A writing style where the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details, which is common in news reporting.

Quoting: Using someone's exact words in reporting, which requires proper attribution and adherence to style guidelines to maintain credibility.