Why do the major cable news stations steal their reports from the Associated Press?

Question

The major news channels all steal their news from the AP (associated press). Why can't they just giv us original news on each seperate channel. New origianl news happens all day every day all over the world! I am tired of hearing the same thing on each and every channels news!!!!

Answer 1

They buy reports.

What's the point of several different companies all writing reports on the same event?

Answer 2

You should always research before making an accusation.

All U.S. news channels do not steal their news from the AP.  In fact, I would guess that none steal any news from the AP.

Most American news channels, local television stations, many radio stations and most newspapers are members of the Associated Press.

If you research the AP you will find that members pay a fee to use materials and also share their original reporting with other AP members.

The AP began in 1848 soon after the installation of telegraph systems in the U.S. and has grown to become an international news gathering network.

AP news reports, including audio and video, are shared with members so there is no sense that these channels "steal their news" from the organization.

Hope this answer helps you, Robert.

Answer 3

So, you think that when something is happening, say, a war, that only one press outlet should be allowed to cover it?  Like AP or CNN or something like that?  How do we decide who gets to cover the story?  Draw straws?

Answer 4

They don't steal, they pay.  News channels are a business, and it is much cheaper to buy a story than send an actual reporter.  It's not just cable news, either.  My local newspaper is almost all AP reports.  The only real reporting relates to high school sports.