The AP Stylebook continues to be a key resource for writers and PR professionals, and last month, the AP published its 56th edition. The most recent edition includes more than 300 new and updated rules, including new guidelines for reporting on polls and surveys, religion, disabilities, and pronouns. There is also a new chapter on inclusive storytelling.
Below is a snapshot of some of the new rules in the latest edition. You can order the latest AP Stylebook to learn the specific updates within each chapter.
Social Media and Web-Based Reporting
The new edition offers guidance for writing and reporting on information shared via social media and posted on the web. The AP created this chapter to help mitigate misinformation that readers might mistake for facts. The Stylebook’s previous edition addressed some of these rules in its internet section. However, the updated chapter targets the massive increase of information circulated on social media and other online platforms. The new edition helps writers use social media as sources in their reporting.
Polls and Surveys
Another new chapter expands and updates guidelines for reporting on surveys and polls. For example, the most recent edition provides more detail on survey weighting and exit polling.
Race-related Writing
The newest print edition adds race-related rules that were included in the Stylebook Online following the 55th edition. Writers should avoid using “Black” or “white” as a singular or plural noun. The updated section on American Indians and Native Americans states that it is ok to use the term “Natives” upon the second reference. This section also includes the preferred spelling of “tipi,” details for reporting on critical race theory, and when to use “CRT.”
Disabilities
The updated edition includes 35 revised disabilities-related entries. One of the rules relating to brain injuries, traumatic brain injuries and brain damage, states that reporters should say that a person has brain damage or a brain injury, not that the person is brain-damaged. Writers should also avoid using the terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” when referring to people with disabilities. It’s best to be specific about an individual’s condition and to only reference a condition when it is relevant to the story.
Pronouns
The AP Stylebook now advises using they/them/their to accurately describe and represent people who use those pronouns.
The list above is just a brief overview of the more than 300 style updates. I encourage you to follow AP Stylebook on Twitter @APStylebook. The account does a great job sharing relevant and helpful updates, especially related to unfolding news stories and broader trends and events.
The Communiqué PR team also has tips for navigating the AP Stylebook, incorporating new guidelines and integrating special rules into writing: