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Washington State Ap Style

Ashley February 3, 2025

3 minutes read

The Evergreen State’s Media Narrative: Washington Through the AP Style Lens

Washington State, with its diverse landscapes, tech hubs, and complex political ecosystem, is a focal point for national and regional news. For journalists, communicators, and editors, adhering to Associated Press (AP) Style is critical to ensuring clarity, consistency, and credibility in coverage. From Seattle’s tech giants to the agricultural heartlands of Eastern Washington, AP Style shapes how the state’s stories are told.

Why AP Style Matters for Washington Coverage AP Style is the gold standard for news writing, eliminating ambiguity and standardizing terminology. For Washington-specific stories, it ensures that references to entities like *Microsoft* (not “Microsoft Corp.” unless in a formal context), *the University of Washington* (not “UW” on first reference), or *Mount Rainier* (not “Mt.”) are universally recognizable.

Key AP Style Rules for Washington State

1. Geographic and Political Terminology

State Abbreviation: Use Wash. only in datelines or short headings. Otherwise, spell out Washington state to avoid confusion with Washington, D.C.
- Example: “Olympia, Wash., saw record rainfall this winter.”
- Example: “Tourism in Washington state surged post-pandemic.”
Regions: Capitalize Puget Sound, Eastern Washington, and Western Washington when referring to the geographic regions.
Counties and Cities: Always capitalize and spell out county names (King County, not “King Co.”). For cities, use Seattle, Spokane, or Tacoma without state abbreviations unless needed for clarity.

2. Institutions and Organizations

Universities: On first reference, use Washington State University (not “WSU”) and University of Washington (not “UW”). Subsequent references can use WSU or UW.
Tech Companies: Follow AP’s corporate naming rules: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing (no “The” or “Co.” unless officially part of the name).
Government Bodies: Use Washington State Legislature (not “WSL”) and Washington Department of Ecology (not “DOE” unless in a direct quote).

3. Natural Features and Landmarks

Mountains: Use Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Baker (no “Mt.” unless part of a formal name like Mt. Si).
Waterways: Capitalize Columbia River, Snake River, and Lake Washington.

4. Events and Cultural References

Festivals: Use Seattle International Film Festival (not “SIFF” on first reference) and Bumbershoot (always capitalized).
Sports Teams: Follow AP’s sports style: Seattle Seahawks (not “Seahawks”), Seattle Mariners (not “M’s” on first reference).

Common Pitfalls in Washington State Coverage

Mistake: Confusing *Washington state* with *Washington, D.C.* Correction: Always clarify with “state” unless in a dateline or short heading. Mistake: Using “UW” or “WSU” on first reference. Correction: Spell out *University of Washington* and *Washington State University* initially. Mistake: Abbreviating *Mount* as “Mt.” for major peaks. Correction: Use *Mount Rainier*, not *Mt. Rainier*.

Historical Context: AP Style in Washington’s Media Evolution

Washington’s media landscape has transformed dramatically, from the early days of The Seattle Times (founded in 1896) to the digital dominance of GeekWire and Crosscut. AP Style has been a constant, ensuring consistency across platforms. For example, during the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, AP Style guided reporters in accurately labeling the event as a volcanic eruption (not “the eruption” unless in direct quotes).

Case Study: Boeing’s 737 MAX Crisis In 2019, AP Style dictated precise terminology: *Boeing 737 MAX* (not “737 Max” or “Max 737”), *Federal Aviation Administration* (not “FAA” on first reference), and *National Transportation Safety Board* (not “NTSB” initially). This clarity was vital for global coverage of the Seattle-based company’s crisis.

Future Trends: AP Style in the Digital Age

As Washington’s tech and media industries converge, AP Style adapts to new challenges. For instance:
- Tech Jargon: Terms like cloud computing (lowercase) and artificial intelligence (lowercase unless part of a formal name like Microsoft AI) are now standardized.
- Social Media References: Use X (formerly Twitter) and Meta (not “Facebook” unless referring to the platform).

Prediction: As Washington leads in renewable energy, AP Style may soon standardize terms like *green hydrogen* or *carbon sequestration* to reflect the state’s innovation.

FAQ Section

Should I use “Seattle, Wash.” or “Seattle, Washington” in a story?

Use “Seattle, Wash.” only in datelines or short headings. In the body of the story, spell out “Seattle, Washington” for clarity.

Is it “Mount Rainier” or “Mt. Rainier” in AP Style?

Always use “Mount Rainier” unless the formal name includes “Mt.” (e.g., “Mt. Si”).

How should I refer to Washington State University in a story?

On first reference, use “Washington State University”. Subsequent references can use “WSU”.

What’s the correct way to write “Puget Sound” in AP Style?

Always capitalize “Puget Sound” when referring to the geographic region.

Conclusion: AP Style as Washington’s Narrative Backbone

From the tech revolution in Seattle to the agricultural resilience in the Palouse, AP Style ensures Washington’s stories are told with precision and uniformity. For journalists, editors, and communicators, mastering these rules isn’t just about grammar—it’s about honoring the state’s complexity and diversity. As Washington continues to shape global conversations, AP Style remains the invisible thread weaving its narrative together.

Final Thought: In a state where innovation meets tradition, AP Style is more than a rulebook—it’s a bridge between Washington’s past, present, and future.

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