...told the Associated Press

ndugan1 · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 5:20 pm

I'm of the belief that "told the Associated Press" can and should be replaced with "said," as it is (in my opinion) a shameless plug, but I've heard it go both ways.Thoughts?

Matthew Grieco · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 5:58 pm

As the Bradenton Herald's former wire editor, I had this argument with a number of people, and I'm delighted to hear that the matter is still unresolved in Manatee County. My position was that I didn't care and would rather spend my time fixing the millions of other problems in AP copy. But if you have time, sure, change it.[ July 17, 2004: Message edited by: Matthew Grieco ]

JonScribe · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 6:26 pm

I have a fondness for " ... said in an interview."

Oeditpus Rex · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 6:51 pm

Remember to cap the all-important "The," Niko.

Biggdbo · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:41 pm

I always take it out when I see it.

Bumfketeer · **Posted:** Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:46 pm

I didn't argue with anyone. I just change it.

Jackie · **Posted:** Sun Jul 18, 2004 12:39 am

I take all that out as useless words that are just in the way. If readers want to know where the story came from, they can look at the byline.

Wayne Countryman · **Posted:** Sun Jul 18, 2004 1:34 am

I leave it in only if the story is by another wire service -- then it's useful attribution.

ramblerdan · **Posted:** Mon Jul 19, 2004 2:27 pm

>I have a fondness for " ... said in an interview."Better still, "said in response to a question ... "

Paul Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:30 pm

The "told The Associated Press" should only be included if it clarifies the story. Otherwise, ditch it.While we're at it, I'd like to rail against a few other attributions that rile me:. . .," Jones recalled. (Of course he recalled it. He's SAYING it.). . .," Jones laughed. (How does he laugh and talk at the same time?)

pzicari · **Posted:** Tue Jul 20, 2004 3:42 pm

Up till the scandals swept over newspapering, I'd have agreed. But since then, clearly identifying everything has become a matter of good ethics, especially when you're blending wire services, but also when you're interviewing someone in several different situations. I admit it doesn't help the gentle flow of the copy. By and by, though, sensitivity on such points will lessen, and we'll go on to some other hot-button issue. Does anybody remember the sexist-language era of the '80s and '90s?

Jackie · **Posted:** Wed Jul 21, 2004 12:30 am

<blockquote>quote:<hr>Originally posted by Perilous:
While we're at it, I'd like to rail against a few other attributions that rile me:. . .," Jones recalled. (Of course he recalled it. He's SAYING it.). . .," Jones laughed. (How does he laugh and talk at the same time?)<hr></blockquote>A couple of weeks ago, a reporter wrote:
....." she swooned.
I'm still trying to figure that one out. I'd ask her, but I'm afraid she'll tell me.

juliette14 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 22, 2004 7:45 pm

I think if it's clear that it's an AP story, that should be enough credit given. When I see "told the Associated Press," I always want to add "AND IT WAS A SUPERBIG SECRET" because it sounds so pretentious.But that's just me.

Dapper Dan · **Joined:** Fri Dec 12, 2003 1:01 am **Posts:** 273

Unfortunately, it's fairly common for newspapers to take quotes that the AP got exclusively and put them into stories under their own reporters' bylines. Sometimes, they don't even include a tagline saying the AP contributed to the story. This sort of attribution for a quote discourages that practice.I think it's also useful for anonymous quotes. When the source speaks on condition of anonyminity, we need all the attribution we can get.

redpenman · **Joined:** Fri Jul 23, 2004 12:01 am **Posts:** 65

I usually cut it when it's a standing AP story.
I think they do it to benefit the copy-paste reporters/columnists who may quote AP stories.It also helps distinguish information that may be exclusive to AP, as opposed to fishing around for a similar story from another wire service.

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