## Overview The Associated Press (AP) is the world’s largest newsgathering organization, operating as a nonprofit cooperative owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters in the United States[1][7]. It delivers news, photographs, video, and audio to over 1,700 member newspapers, 6,000 broadcasters, and 8,500 other subscribers in 110 countries[1]. AP’s mission is to advance the power of facts through independent, nonpartisan, and fact-based journalism, reaching an estimated four billion people daily[4][7]. ## History AP was founded in 1846 when five New York City newspapers pooled resources to share the cost of covering the Mexican-American War, pioneering the concept of cooperative newsgathering[3][4][8]. Originally known as the New York Associated Press, it expanded as regional groups formed and merged, leading to the modern AP’s incorporation in 1900 after legal and organizational shifts[2][3]. From the start, AP focused on accurate, timely reporting—a tradition that continues today[4][7]. ## Key Achievements AP has been a pioneer in news technology, establishing the first leased telegraph wires for news transmission in 1875 and launching innovative services like APTN (television news) and AP All News Radio[1][5]. Its journalists have won 59 Pulitzer Prizes, including 36 for photography, reflecting a consistent commitment to excellence[7]. AP has reported on every major global event since the mid-19th century, from wars and elections to cultural milestones[4][6]. ## Current Status Today, AP operates nearly 250 bureaus in almost 100 countries, producing approximately 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos annually[4][7]. It remains financially independent, funded by its members and subscribers rather than government or private ownership, ensuring editorial independence[6][7]. AP’