The Associated Press is increasing video news coverage across America, doubling the number of video journalists and restructuring its Washington production hub.
Regional video newsgathering desks and an upgraded video delivery portal complete AP’s major investment in U.S. video news.
“Our customers and members lie at the heart of our thinking, and they want more video on more of the U.S. stories they care about,” said AP Vice President and Director of Global Video Sandy MacIntyre.
“The AP is positioning itself to deliver that in a way which differentiates our coverage from our competitors,” he said.
AP’s video content will be available for broadcast and digital clients to download on a new AP Video-US portal, being launched at the NAB Show underway in Las Vegas.
The portal brings AP’s “Newsroom Ready” broadcast products and AP-branded online video together for the first time, allowing AP customers to select the right mix of content for their own platforms.
The site highlights exclusive “Only on AP” video content – investigations and unique feature stories that draw on the expertise of AP reporters across all 50 states.
“Our U.S. focus is twofold,” MacIntyre added. “First, we offer local TV stations relevant regional news, plus unique, promotable stories you can’t get anywhere else. For digital and mobile clients, we are the source for fast, accurate ready-to-use video, concentrating on heavily on breaking news, consumer health, technology and quirky stories.”
For the first time, AP will have dedicated video journalists based in Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Denver and Detroit.
Additional video staff will join existing teams in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago.
Regional newsgathering will be coordinated across all formats, with video producers working with news editors at AP’s four regional news desks in the U.S. – East (Philadelphia), South (Atlanta), Central (Chicago) and West (Phoenix).
“The AP owns State News,” said Kristin Gazlay, an AP vice president and managing editor who oversees state coverage. “Our journalists have deep connections and roots in the places they cover, which enables them to provide insightful and agenda-setting coverage.”
AP is also investing in new staff and technology at its main U.S. video production center in Washington, which is being restructured to supply additional video content across a range of AP platforms.
“Our intention is to be first, to be right and to be relevant,” MacIntyre said. “Speed of video delivery from camera to customer, accuracy, and an ongoing focus on original storytelling are the recipe for success.”
Contact
Paul Colford
Director of Media Relations
The Associated Press
212-621-1895
pcolford@ap.org
Erin Madigan White
Media Relations Manager
The Associated Press
212-621-7005
emadigan@ap.org