Two major American newspaper chains, Gannett and McClatchy, have announced their plans to significantly reduce their reliance on The Associated Press for news reports and images. Gannett, the largest newspaper company in the United States, stated that it would no longer utilize articles, photos, and videos from The A.P. in its extensive network of publications, citing its own prolific journalism output. McClatchy, on the other hand, informed its editors that it would be discontinuing some A.P. services, with the feed set to end in March.
Despite the decisions made by Gannett and McClatchy to scale back their partnerships with The Associated Press, conversations with the news agency over their contracts are ongoing. The A.P., which has been in operation since 1846 and has a vast global presence, expressed its understanding of the challenges faced by the news industry and emphasized the importance of its fact-based journalism for news consumers across the United States. While the loss of Gannett and McClatchy as clients may not have a significant financial impact on The A.P., it underscores the shifting landscape of news distribution and the evolving revenue streams for news organizations in the digital age.
The Associated Press plays a vital role in U.S. election coverage, with many major news outlets relying on its data and race calls. Despite changes in the industry and the rise of alternative revenue sources, fees from U.S. newspapers still contribute a significant portion of The A.P.’s income. The decisions by Gannett and McClatchy to reduce their reliance on The A.P. reflect a broader trend in the news industry as organizations explore new ways to sustain their operations and adapt to a changing media landscape.