AP tells journalist NOT to use made up term "Assault Rifle"… Hell freezing over yet AGAIN…

Published on July 15, 2022
Duration: 5:20

The Associated Press (AP) has issued new guidance advising journalists to avoid the terms 'assault rifle' and 'assault weapon,' deeming them factually incorrect and overly politicized. The AP now recommends using 'semi-automatic rifle' for firearms that fire one round per trigger pull and reload automatically. This change acknowledges that the popular media terms often misrepresent the actual function of AR or AK-style rifles designed for civilian use.

Quick Summary

The Associated Press (AP) is now advising journalists to stop using the terms 'assault rifle' and 'assault weapon,' labeling them as factually incorrect and overly politicized. The AP recommends using 'semi-automatic rifle' for firearms that fire one round per trigger pull and reload automatically, as the popular media terms misrepresent the actual function of AR or AK-style civilian rifles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and AP's Correction
  2. 00:47Sponsor Message: Sonoran Desert Institute
  3. 01:23The Problem with 'Assault Rifle' Terminology
  4. 01:45AP's Official Guidance on Weapons
  5. 02:29AP's Definition of Semi-Automatic Rifle
  6. 03:05Political Use of 'Assault Weapon' Terms
  7. 03:17AP Directly Tells Journalists Not to Use Terms
  8. 03:56Google Search Results for 'Assault Rifle'
  9. 04:18Political Figures Using 'Assault Rifle' Terminology
  10. 04:33The Awkwardness of AP's Correction
  11. 05:00Call for Retractions and Future Implications
  12. 05:05Viewer Discussion and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Associated Press's new guidance on the term 'assault rifle'?

The Associated Press (AP) is now advising journalists to avoid using the terms 'assault rifle' and 'assault weapon.' They consider these terms factually incorrect and overly politicized, recommending 'semi-automatic rifle' instead for firearms that fire one round per trigger pull and reload automatically.

Why does the AP consider 'assault rifle' to be an incorrect term?

The AP states that 'assault rifle' and 'assault weapon' are highly politicized terms that convey little meaning about the actual functions of the weapon. They generally refer to AR or AK-style rifles designed for the civilian market but do not accurately describe their mechanical operation.

What term does the AP recommend instead of 'assault rifle'?

The AP recommends using the term 'semi-automatic rifle' for firearms that fire one bullet each time the trigger is pulled and automatically reload for a subsequent shot. This term accurately reflects the weapon's function.

How long has the term 'assault rifle' been popularized in media?

The video suggests that the term 'assault rifle' has been a popularized media term for approximately 10 to 15 years. It has been widely used by media outlets and politicians to describe certain types of firearms, often to elicit an emotional response.

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