April 19, 2024
Evergreen

The Associated Press in North Korea: A Potemkin news bureau?

Confidential AP agreement with North Korea gives Pyongyang control over news stories

December 26, 2014: This article has been updated to include a link to the full AP – KCNA draft agreement

Despite trumpeting itself as the "first independent Western news bureau" in North Korea, top executives of the Associated Press (AP) in 2011 agreed to distribute state-produced North Korean propaganda through the AP name, a confidential document and interviews with current and former AP staff indicates.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.