There are only two news agencies that come to mind when talking about news agencies. Associated Press which everyone refers to as AP and the Press Association now known as PA Media. Associated Press is based in New York and provides news to outlets all over the world. Press Association is the national news agency for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Each year they recruit journalists, photographers, video journalists, data journalists, engineers and commercial staff. Each one pays good money and each carries an excellent reputation.
After many years I’ve watched numerous people gain employment at both of these agencies. I’ve seen people gain employment from Lagos to Nairobi and Manchester to Chicago. Some took more tries than others. There were also plenty that never got employed. Most failed to tailor their application, complete the speed test and didn’t understand what being an agency journalist was. This article will help you learn about both of these agencies, types of jobs available and how to get employed.
Make sure you read the whole article before applying.
Table of Contents
What Is the Press Association and What Is the Associated Press?
Many people don’t know the difference between the two. As you can see they have similar names but they are separate agencies based in different countries.
The Associated Press
The Associated Press was founded in 1846 by five newspapers in New York City to cover the Mexican American war. Since then they have grown into one of the biggest news agencies in the world. It’s a non profit corporation that is run by it’s member news outlets in the United States of America. AP has bureaus around 100 countries and supply their members with news in text, pictures, video, audio and data. Every news outlet that airs news from around the world are supplied by AP in some shape or form.
The Press Association
The press association was established in 1868 by provincial newspapers in Britain. They wanted to provide there readers with national and international news. The press association became known as PA Media in 2019. PA Media group consists of many companies under one roof. Supplying news to all major outlets in the UK and Ireland. You can find out more on the link below.
| Feature | Associated Press (AP) | Press Association (PA Media) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1846 | 1868 |
| Headquarters | New York, United States | London, United Kingdom |
| Ownership | Non profit cooperative that consist of members who are news outlets in the United States of America | Owned by News outlets in the United Kingdom and Ireland |
| Locations | Around 100 Countries | United Kingdom and Ireland |
| Products | Text, pictures, video, audio, data and blogs | News, Sports, Pictures, Video, Data, Weather, Entertainment Listings |
| Number of employees | Approximately 3,000 – 4,000 | Approximately 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Where to apply | AP Careers | PA Media Group Careers |
Both of these agencies pride themselves on providing factual and unbiased news. You will never hear opinion based writing from staff members. If that’s what you enjoy doing these agencies might not be for you. If you enjoy getting your story out first then you should definitely look into working at either of these.
What Types of Jobs Do Press Association and Associated Press Offer?
They offer many types of jobs not just limited to journalism.
Editorial Jobs
There are many different jobs that fall under this category. You could work as a reporter covering any beat. Politics, court, crime, business, health and sports to name a few. You could work as an editor or even become a news director. Photography and video journalism is also offered. You can produce content that is posted on their website or file video and pictures to other outlets. Sub editing is another position that most newsrooms have. Data journalism is becoming more popular each day.
Technology Jobs
As most of you know they supply their content to news outlets through their website. They will always need people who are skilled in coding and other aspects of technology.
Commercial Jobs
Selling the content that they produce is another area you could work. Selling to TV stations, radio stations and other online news platforms.
Other
Just like any company they will need human resource, finance, legal etc.
Training and Graduates
Associated press offers internships and the global news internship scheme. Press association offer graduate trainee positions and have a division known as PA Training. They offer courses that you can take at their offices in London and Manchester.
| Job Categories | Examples of Jobs | Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | Reporter, correspondent, editor, sub editor, photographer, video journalist, producer. | Any degree related to journalism, communications, language, politics |
| Data Journalism | Data journalist, investigative journalist, graphics journalist | Degree related to statistics, computer science or journalism. |
| Technology | Coding, data engineering, project management. | Degree in Computer Science or Engineering. |
| Commercial | Sales, Marketing | Business, marketing or sales related degree |
| Human Resource, Finance, Legal etc | Human resource advisor, finance analyst, Legal. | Any relevant qualification. |
| Traineeships | Trainee reporter, Apprenticeships. | Currently studying or just finished studying. |
What Are Associated Press Jobs Salaries?
Associated Press doesn’t show their salary scale however we can look at a few things to help us figure this out. The News Media Guild represent many of the workers that AP employ. So we can look at what they offer and figure out an approximate amount. We can also look at jobs that AP post in certain states. New York, California and Colorado are required to show salary scale when they post jobs. We can also look at previous employees on sites like Glassdoor. Here are some salary scales you can expect to make at Associated Press.
| AP Job Title | Salary Scale |
|---|---|
| News Intern | $40,000 – $50,000 (For length of internship) |
| Newsperson/ Reporter | $55,000 – $75,000 |
| Reporter | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Correspondent | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Photographer/ Video Journalist | $60,000 – $95,000 |
| Editor | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| News Director | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Software Engineer | $110,000 – $170,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $150,000 – $210,000 |
| Product Manager | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| Sales/ Account Executive | $70,000 – $120,000 + Commission |
Keep in mind these salaries will vary depending on the state you live in and how long you’ve been working there. Most staff at AP are part of a union.
If you get hired by AP to work abroad they will offer you a package that reflects that area. You won’t be making the same salary as your co-workers in New York but you will be making more than your peers in that city.
There are many other perks you’ll receive if you work at Associated Press. They offer medical, retirement plans and more.
What Are Press Association Jobs Salaries?
Press association also doesn’t disclose their salary scales. We can use the same technique as above to figure out what you would make. Below are some salary scales you can expect to make at Press Association.
| PA Media Job Title | Salary Scale |
|---|---|
| Trainee Reporter | £22,000 – £27,000 |
| Reporter | £26,000 – £36,000 |
| Senior Reporter | £34,000 – £45,000 |
| Correspondent | £40,000 – £55,000 |
| Sub Editor | £26,000 – £36,000 |
| Photographer | £28,000 – £42,000 |
| Video Journalist | £28,000 – £40,000 |
| News Editor | £45,000 – £65,000 |
| Head of Department | £60,000 – £90,000 |
| Software Developer | £40,000 – £65,000 |
| Senior Developer | £60,000 – £85,000 |
| Data Analyst | £32,000 – £50,000 |
| Sales Executive | £28,000 – £45,000 + Commission |
| Account Manager | £35,000 – £55,000 |
Similar to AP they offer benefits like pensions and holidays.
You can compare these salaries to other news outlets in the UK. Press Association will pay you slightly more than your average regional newspaper and less than your national newspaper.
Who Can Apply for Press Association and Associated Press Jobs?
Associated Press
Most of the jobs at Associated Press will require you to have a degree or experience in that area. If you want to be a reporter you will need to show that you can report news and write well. Having experience at a news outlet will go a long way. Some jobs will require you to speak a certain language. If you want to work in Africa or Asia they will want you to speak a language that is spoken in those areas.
Press Association
Press Association will want you to have a NCTJ or equivalent if you want to become a reporter. More info about the NCTJ can be found below. Having shorthand at 100wpm will be an advantage if you want to work at the Press Association. Knowing media law is also something that is valued at the press association.
Other
All the other jobs that they offer will have there own set of requirements.
Visas
Associated press will sponsor you for a visa but there will be more competition to get those jobs. If you want to work overseas for them you will need to have the ability to work in that country. Press Association will most likely want you to have the right to work in the UK and Ireland.
Age and Nationality
There is no age limit or nationality requirement to apply for either of these jobs.
What Skills Do Press Association and Associated Press Want?
When you work for a news agency you have to understand that your job is to provide other news outlets with the news first. Here are some skills that they will be looking for when they interview you.
Speed
Speed is key when it comes to working for a news agency. You want to be able to write fast and accurately. Make sure you can write a story from facts provided to you. They will give you a speed test during the application process.
Knowledge of AP Style
Associated Press uses AP Style which can be found online. Make sure you learn how to write using AP style before you apply. Press Association have their own style that you will need to learn as well.
Multimedia
It’s important to know how to do more than one thing. You should know how to film video, take pictures and file articles. If you are a photographer know how to edit your pictures and write captions.
Know how to use Data
Being able to pull data and use it to your advantage will help you stand out from the rest. Know how to use Excel and learn languages like Python.
Know more than one language
If you know more than one language that will benefit you when applying to work at either of these news agencies.
Stay Calm
Working at a news agency means you will be covering many traumatic events. You need to know how to stay calm under pressure. Be able to answer questions about this when you are being interviewed.
How to Apply for Associated Press Jobs Step by Step
- Go to AP Careers. There you will find all the jobs that are currently available.
- Once you’ve found the job that you want to apply for make sure you read what they are asking for.
- Once you’re confident that you meet the qualifications you can begin your application. You will need to have your CV and Cover Letter ready. You will also need samples of your work. Make sure you pick the best ones you have.
- You will be asked to create a profile and upload your information. Once completed you can submit your application.
- If you pass the screening stage you will receive an email asking you to complete a test. This test could be to write a story, edit a story or create a piece of video content.
- After you complete the test you will be contacted to schedule an interview. You may have to speak to more than one person.
- If you pass the interview stage you will be offered a job.
How to Apply for Press Association Jobs Step by Step
- Go to PA Media Group Careers. There you will find all the current vacancies.
- Once you find a job that you want to apply for make sure you read all of the information.
Step 2: Read Through the Vacancy
Vacancies will outline the role, what’s essential and desirable, where its based and occasionally how much it pays. Look out for NCTJ and shorthand if its a reporter job.
Step 3: Gather Information
You’ll need a CV and cover letter for most reporter jobs along with cuttings. Court cuttings, council and breaking news is always good to include. Photographers and video will need a link to their online portfolio. Tech roles will need a good CV outlining what you’ve done.
Step 4: Apply Online
Apply on the portal and fill out the questions they ask. Keep your cover letter to one page and hit each essential criterion.
Step 5: Assessments
PA Media will typically have you take a news writing assessment and current affairs test. Sometimes they include a media law test for editorial jobs. If its a trainee scheme there will be an assessment day.
Step 6: Interviews
There can be one or two interview stages. They will ask you questions about PA Media clients, your news awareness and if you can work shifts. Its a news agency so yes you’ll be working early mornings and weekends.
Step 7: Get Offered a Job
If you’re successful you’ll be offered a job and sent your contract. This will tell you your pay and benefits. If you’ve been offered a trainee job you’ll be put on a trainee programme.
What Early Career Programmes Are Available With AP and PA Media?
There are a few programmes you can look into when your a student or graduate.
AP Global News Internship
Associated Press offer an internship every year to students and graduates. You can intern in text, photo, video or audio in their US or around the world. The internship will last approximately 12 weeks during the summer. You can normally apply in the autumn months and deadlines are usually at the end of autumn/beginning of winter. They pay you for your time and some travel expenses. Lots of people who’ve interned at AP have gone onto work for them full time.
Fellowships
AP offer various fellowships with other organisations. You can find more information on their careers page.
PA Media Trainee Job
PA Media offer trainee reporter jobs which allow you to learn on the job. You’ll be trained and work towards a qualification. They usually recruit once a year.
PA Training
PA Training is part of PA Media and they offer journalism courses that are NCTJ qualified. There’s fees involved but lots of people go onto get jobs with PA Media and other news organisations. They also offer short courses on media law, social media and video.
Apprenticeships
PA Media have offered apprenticeships in the past for journalism and other job functions.
| Programme | Run by | Eligible for | Time | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Global News Internship | Associated Press | Students and graduates | Approx. 12 weeks | Yes |
| Fellowships | Associated Press and other organisations | Journalists looking to start their career | Varies | Yes |
| Trainee Job | PA Media | Graduates/NCTJ students | 12-24 months | Yes |
| Journalism Course | PA Training | Anyone who meets eligibility | 17-40 weeks | No, fees apply |
| Apprenticeships | PA Media | School leavers and those changing careers | 12-24 months | Yes |
Other Press Associations
There are press associations around the world you can work for.
| Press Association | Based in | Roles | Where to find jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Associated Press | Australia | Reporters, photographers, fact checkers | On their website |
| Canadian Press | Canada | Reporters (French and English), editors, photographers | On their website |
| Press Trust of India | India | Reporters, sub editors, photographers | On their website and local job listings |
| Reuters | Global (UK based) | Reporters, editors, data, tech | On their website |
| Agence France Presse | Global (France based) | Reporters (multiple languages), photographers, video | On their website |
| News Agency of Nigeria | Nigeria | Reporters, editors, photographers | On Nigerian job listing sites |
| Ghana News Agency | Ghana | Reporters, editors | On Ghanaian job listing sites |
| Kenya News Agency | Kenya | Reporters, editors | On Kenyan job listing sites |
| Press Association of South Africa | South Africa | Reporters, editors | Various job listing sites |
A lot of people work for these agencies and then move onto AP. For example you could spend a few years working for News Agency of Nigeria covering politics and then move to AP and cover politics in their Abuja office.
What Is It Like Working At AP and PA Media?
Its good to have an idea of what you’d be doing day to day when applying.
Here’s what a reporter might do at PA Media on a given day.
They would arrive at work at 6am either in London or Manchester. Check what happened overnight and read through police and court news. File a few short news stories for the morning by 7am. Cover a court case at 10am and keep updating the story throughout the day as it progresses. By 2pm the story will be done and maybe you’ll get moved to another story. If there isn’t another story you’ll finish for the day at around 2pm. Of course if there’s a big story you could be at work for longer.
A correspondent at AP may cover stories that affect their area of the world. They will check what’s going on in their region and if anything happens in a neighbouring country they will cover that. Maybe the president of Ethiopia announced something, the correspondent will send a short piece of information on the story. Then they will expand the story and add in reactions. They may also shoot video with another team member. All of this can be used on AP and will appear on many news sites around the world.
Working at AP as an engineer you would work on developing and maintaining their platform. You may have to troubleshoot a problem that occurred during the night. Fix bugs and continue to develop features. There won’t be as much rush compared to a newsroom but you still want to make sure things are working for all the companies using AP.
Here’s a fictional scenario of someone working at both PA Media and AP.
Chiamaka completed her NCTJ at PA Training in Manchester. She got a job with PA Media as a trainee reporter and spent the first month covering courts and local news. Six months later she was covering a high profile trial that was on every national front page. Two years later she applied to AP and got a job as a video reporter in London.
Tips To Get a Job With the Press Association and Associated Press
As mentioned before there are lots of applications that come in for each role. Here are some tips to help you stand out.
Have breaking news in your portfolio
You want to show you can write quickly and file your stories on the day they happen. Make sure your portfolio includes court stories and stories you’ve written on the day.
Know the style
If you’re applying to AP buy or find the AP Stylebook. Learn how to write like PA Media if you’re applying to them.
Practice writing news stories
Take a news article or story and practice writing about it. Set a timer for 20 minutes and try to write your story with no errors.
Show off your multimedia skills
If you can film and edit video add that to your application. Same goes for photography and audio.
Know your news judgement
Why did you choose that angle? Did you double check your facts? Be able to answer these questions when asked.
Apply for roles you can get
Don’t apply to every role in London or New York. Try and get a job somewhere smaller and build your way up. There are AP offices all over the US and PA Media offices in various cities in the UK.
Make connections
Get to know journalists that work for AP and PA Media. You never know they could help you in the future.
Common Mistakes People Make When Applying to Press Associations
Here are some mistakes to avoid when applying.
Not tailoring your application
If your cover letter says “whom it may concern” you’re not going to stand out. Tell them why you want to work for that bureau/desk.
Not meeting the essential criteria
If the job says you need an NCTJ and you don’t have one you’re not going to get that job.
Not showing off your news skills
If you only have feature articles in your portfolio it doesn’t show that you can write news. Agencies want to know you can write news quickly and accurately.
Not practising for the assessment
If you don’t practise you will struggle on the day. Spend time each week practicing your news writing.
Not understanding you’ll be working shifts
As mentioned before you will be working at all times of the day and night.
Not having a visa to work in that country
If you don’t have a visa to work in the US you’re not going to get that job.
| Mistake | Why it’s bad | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Not tailoring your application | Doesn’t show you want the job | Research the bureau/desk and tell them why you want to work there |
| Not meeting essential criteria | They won’t consider your application | Get the necessary qualifications before applying |
| Not showing your news skills | Shows you can’t write news | Build a portfolio of news stories |
| Not practicing for the assessment | You’ll struggle | Practice news writing each week |
| Not understanding shift work | Won’t be happy on the job | Understand you’ll be working at all hours |
| Don’t have a visa to work in that country | Can’t work there | Apply to roles in countries you can work in |
Checklist to Apply for a Press Association/Associated Press Job
- Know if you want to apply to AP or PA Media or both.
- Know if you have a visa to work in that country.
- Get your NCTJ if you don’t already have one.
- Know how to write like the news agency you’re applying to.
- Build your portfolio.
- Practice your news writing.
- Update your CV.
- Write a cover letter.
- Create an account on AP Careers.
- Create an account on PA Media Group Careers.
- Keep an eye out for internships/trainee schemes.
- Have examples ready for how you handle pressure/errors etc.
- Know you’ll be working at all hours of the day.
- Apply before the deadline!
FAQs
Are the Press Association and Associated Press the same?
No. Associated Press is a news agency based in the United States. The Press Association (now PA Media) is the UK and Irelands news agency.
How much do Associated Press reporters make?
Reporters at AP make between USD $55,000 – $75,000 starting out. Once you become a senior reporter or correspondent you can make USD $70,000 – $110,000. Some salaries are higher depending on where you’re based. If you’re in New York you’ll make more due to the Guild contract.
How much do Press Association reporters make?
If you’re a trainee at PA Media you’ll make between £22,000 – £27,000. Reporters make between £26,000 – £36,000. Once you become a senior reporter or correspondent you’ll make between £34,000 – £55,000. Again it depends where you’re based, if you’re in London you’ll be towards the higher end.
Do I need to be NCTJ qualified to work for PA Media?
For most reporter jobs yes. If you’re applying for tech or other roles no.
Does AP offer visas?
They do for some roles in the US. If you don’t already have a visa to work in the US you probably won’t be able to work for them.
Does AP hire people in Africa?
Yes! There are offices all over Africa you can apply to.
Can you work from home at PA Media?
Some jobs will allow you to work from home. Most of the time you’ll be working from an office.
What is the AP internship?
The AP Global News Internship is a paid internship for students and graduates. You can apply in text, photo, video or audio.
What is the AP assessment like?
You will be given a list of facts and have to write a news story. Make sure you have no spelling or grammar errors.
Can I apply to both AP and PA Media?
Yes you can. They are both separate news agencies so you can apply to both.
Do they hire anyone that isn’t a journalist?
Yes. There are many roles you can apply to that don’t involve journalism.
Conclusion
There you have it! Everything you need to know about getting a job with the Press Association and Associated Press. As you can see there are many roles available and they pay well. You just need to make sure you meet the criteria and practise your writing. Good luck!
