AP Logo PNG
AP: Brand overview
The Associated Press (AP) has been a constant and trusted source of news and information worldwide for more than 170 years. Founded in 1846 by five daily newspapers in New York City, AP sought to share the cost of delivering news about the Mexican-American War. Since then, the agency has become the premier and most extensive news service in the United States. AP, based in New York City, maintains its status as a trusted and respected source of news and information.
In addition to being a cooperative, AP functions as a powerhouse of information. Its members are newspapers, radio, and television stations that jointly own the organization and share its profits. AP also extends its news stories to non-members, such as websites and online news platforms, ensuring that they have access to the latest news. AP has successfully provided news and information on a global scale due to its wide reach.
AP’s reputation for unbiased and credible reporting is well known. AP reporters undergo rigorous training to remain neutral, and a rigorous fact-checking process ensures that only the most accurate news reaches readers. This commitment to accuracy underscores AP’s position as a trusted source of information.
In more than a century of journalism, the Associated Press has won 58 Pulitzer Prizes, including 35 for photography. From reporting on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the agency’s news stories have significantly influenced the course of history. Governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide rely on AP’s reliable reporting to make informed decisions.
In 1846, five New York City newspapers formed the Associated Press to share the cost of reporting news about the Mexican-American War, ushering in a new era in global news sharing.
In 1848, the Associated Press marked a momentous occasion by being the first to use the telegraph to transmit news.
In 1856, the Associated Press introduced its first code of ethics, under which journalistic integrity and excellence were guaranteed.
In 1892, a watershed moment came when the Associated Press separated from the Western Associated Press and began operating as an independent organization, forever changing the world of the news industry.
1917, the Associated Press won its first Pulitzer Prize, becoming the first news organization to receive the honor.
In 1935, the Associated Press introduced the concept of news photographs, changing the paradigm of news sharing.
In 1945, the Associated Press won its first Pulitzer Prize in photography, an important historical moment.
In 1956, the Associated Press began using satellite technology to distribute news, further revolutionizing global news distribution.
In 1975, the Associated Press won its first Pulitzer Prize for broadcast journalism, a significant achievement in its organizational legacy.
In 1995, the Associated Press made history by launching its first website, APNews.com, changing how people access news and information.
In 2001, the Associated Press achieved another success by becoming the first news organization to win the Pulitzer Prize for online journalism.
In 2017, the agency celebrated 175 years of credible news coverage.
Meaning and History
What is AP (Associated Press)?
This is an international news agency operating as a cooperative. It provides newspapers and broadcast organizations with accurate and impartial news coverage. The agency’s content spans various topics and is distributed globally.
1900 – 1933
1933 – 1942
1942 – 1945
1945 – 1955
1955 – 1961
1961 – 1981
1981 – 2012
2012 – today
The logo of the Associated Press features the abbreviation “AP” underscored by a bold horizontal stripe. The design intentionally emphasizes these letters to reflect the agency’s authority and significance. The black type conveys confidence, professionalism, and reliability—core attributes of the Associated Press. The letters appear solid and grounded, resembling two strong columns supporting the red line above.
The red horizontal bar intersects the letters, drawing visual attention and evoking a sense of urgency closely tied to the nature of breaking news. The color brings energy to the emblem and pairs seamlessly with the black lettering to form a unified composition.
A distinctive detail within the logo is the subtle breaks or negative space in the lettering, suggesting openness, transparency, and a contemporary tone. This visual element implies that the Associated Press is accessible to the public and committed to honest reporting.
The typeface is a bold, geometric sans-serif, chosen for its clarity and modern feel. The strong, clean lines ensure high legibility even at small sizes, reinforcing the agency’s emphasis on clarity and precision.
More than just a graphic symbol, the logo tells a brief story about the organization. It combines visual simplicity, structured form, and balanced color to embody the core principles of the Associated Press: speed, accuracy, and a deep commitment to journalistic integrity.