SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – The Associated Press (AP) has awarded its prestigious "Best of AP – First Winner" to the team responsible for the comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. This recognition highlights the exceptional multiplatform reporting that went beyond the playing field, capturing the magnitude of this global event.
A Collaborative Effort Across Departments
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. Recognizing this, AP assembled a diverse team of journalists from various departments, including Sports, Photo, Entertainment, Video, Business News, Lifestyles, Audience, Audio, and U.S. News. This collaborative approach ensured a comprehensive and multifaceted report, taking AP’s coverage to new heights. As one team member noted, "The scale of the Super Bowl demands a massive effort, and that's precisely what we delivered."
Extensive Pre-Game Coverage
The comprehensive coverage began days before the game itself. The team undertook a "herculean photo undertaking," capturing the atmosphere and excitement leading up to the event. AP also delved into important social issues with a "penetrating package of stories on Black head coaches," exploring the intersection of race and sports. Beyond the serious topics, AP also provided lighter fare, including features on the popular Puppy Bowl and an "exhaustive stream of guides and explainers" to help readers understand the intricacies of the game and related events. The team also highlighted AP’s integral role in the NFL’s annual player awards, providing text stories, video explainers, and behind-the-scenes video content.
Game Day Immersion
On game day, the AP team in New Orleans was comprised of sports writers, photographers, and video journalists strategically positioned to capture all the news, both inside and outside the stadium. Their reporting illustrated how "race, politics and entertainment intertwine with the world of sports," providing a nuanced perspective on the event.
Multiplatform Engagement
AP's coverage extended across multiple platforms, ensuring maximum reach and engagement. The team produced three Live Blogs, keeping audiences up-to-date with real-time information and insights. In a first for AP, the team also delivered four main livestreams, offering viewers immersive access to the game and surrounding events. Recognizing the importance of social media, a dedicated social video producer was on-site, creating engaging video content that garnered "millions of views on TikTok and other platforms." This strategic approach to social media ensured that AP's coverage resonated with a younger and broader audience.
Award-Winning Excellence
The judges praised the team's work, calling it "an exceptional effort." Their ability to deliver "unparalleled coverage of the U.S.’ premier sporting event across formats and platforms" earned them this week’s Best of AP – First Winner award. This recognition underscores AP's commitment to providing comprehensive and impactful journalism, capturing the essence of major events like the Super Bowl and delivering it to a global audience.
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