The Associated Press has rolled out a slightly new logo for the first time since the Reagan Administration.
Poynter (“AP unveils new logo for first time in 30 years“):
The Associated Press announced a new logo this morning, an update of the one that’s perched elegantly atop stylebooks for 30 years. The letters are now black, the “A” no longer leans against the “P” in an avuncular fashion, and both letters are on the same baseline. A red bar under the letters recalls the previous color scheme. The “stencil look” of the previous logo is preserved, but the “bridges” (the gaps in a stencil) are more pronounced.
Most readers will likely be unaware that AP even has a logo. After all, it doesn’t appear anywhere on published materials they’re likely to see–the reprinted/reposted stories on various AP affiliates. It’s pretty much relegated to the AP Stylebook, the AP website, and AP letterhead. And, frankly, I’m not sure that the old logo wasn’t cleaner and more distinctive.
The story also has a gallery of the evolution of the logo through the years–most of which look like they graced a comic book.
They add a caption clearing up the confusion created by their own labeling: “The AP has had eight logos, including the new one, since 1900. Note: Though the newest logo says ‘2011’ it was actually introduced in 2012.”
