Is Associated Press (AP) style still important/relevant for public relations practitioners?
Good Answers (2)
I think AP should be taught and practiced for PR, however their is more to the initial pitch than just sending the AP style release. If we're not learning as professionals how to integrate new technologies into existing successful methods, you're missing the boat. Tighter newspaper budgets mean they rely on AP formatted releases, but it also means they have little time to read through lengthy releases. A concise pitch will win over the best formatted AP style release every time.
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Jason K also suggests this expert on this topic:
AP Style should continue to be the foundation of our writing. There is no excuse for bad style, sloppy grammar or lack of professional writing.
However, the world has changed. The move of media relations' to the Web, with bulleted release styles, key word tags and a daily onslaught of new tech tools to connect, distribute and relate, we do need to adjust our thinking. (Or, be swept behind for holding onto principles.)
AP style will always be the "right" way to think — the right way to write — but with new formats and abbreviated style.
Check out the newest online release template and you'll see the challenge.
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Clarification added April 24, 2008:
(I know: media relations is not plural possessive. I checked my AP manual.)
More Answers (11)
If its not, it should be. As PR professionals, our number one audience is the media...we should write and read and speak their language. Every press release should be written in a style that is "ready to go" in case some lazy editor decides to use the piece as is. Besides, so many PR people are journalists who decided they wanted to get paid...it should be in our blood...
I would say yes. AP copy in some ways is more important than ever as newspapers trim national and international staffs. Also, AP stories are often used by Yahoo and other news sites.
I am a public relations major in the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, and all of my professors have stressed the importance of using AP style in all of our work. They will fail us on projects if we do not use it properly.
I also recently had to interview several journalists for a group project, and was told it makes their job much easier if you use AP style - because most reporters do use it.
AP style is a proven, time-tested style for delivering information in a manner that is easily understood.
As a former PR agency VP, journalist and author, I'd advise following AP guidelines. It's a standard of professionalism that is appreciated. I still keep a copy of the style book on my desk.
I would say that AP style is certainly still important for public relations practicioners. I think proof of this lies in our education system. I graduated from USC's Annenberg School of Communication last year, and AP style was heavily emphasized throughout the curriculum. We were tested on the most obscure AP style rules weekly and assignments were automatically failed for any violations. To this day, I can't help but do my best to write in proper AP style.
AP style is a must for PR professionals. As a recent grad, my professors drilled AP style into our heads because it is the "right" way. Many journalists and media that you are pitching your stories to will follow AP style, so if you want your story to be picked up by them, then it is essentially a "must-have" situation to use AP style.
Jocelyn B
Co-founder, JBLH Communications, "We'll Talk About You All Day Long!"
Best Answers in: Public Relations (6), Events Marketing (1), Professional Books and Resources (1)
As a writer, PR pro and former adjunct PR professor, I would say absolutely! AP is still the most widely-used style for writers AND journalists. I keep my AP book handy whenever I write anything formal.
Mike K
PR and social media consultant at Fast Horse
Best Answers in: Public Relations (3), Blogging (3), Internet Marketing (1), Viral Marketing (1), Professional Networking (1)
Simply, yes, because one of our audiences is journalists and it's just a good way to write, technically speaking.
Absolutely! AP style is the basis for solid news writing. Members of the media are a key audience for PR pros and the media relies on AP style.
Leo B
Independent Consultant/Adjunct Professor
Best Answers in: Public Relations (2), Customer Service (1), Direct Marketing (1), Business Development (1)
Important? Yes. Relevant? It should be, but it's becoming less so. This is because there's less discipline in our the writing in general. Today, I'm afraid that in this fast paced world, we want clear and concise first and adherence to AP style second. It's falling down the list fast.
