Two groups of editors have written complaints about several new Associated Press practices, such as new fee structures and news coverage practices. The two letters, sent to AP executives in past weeks, were obtained by Editor & Publisher.

The letters partly responded to AP's rate structure change, set to take effect next year, which the AP says will make the service more flexible, allowing a la carte services and a decrease or unchanged price for most newspapers. Editors, however, say the changes will actually make some fees go up, and need to be revised in this time of economic hardship for newspapers, E&P reported.

The AP is expected to address the letters during its board meetings scheduled for later this week.

“The AP fees have been set by the board after careful structuring,” AP President Tom Curley told E&P. “About 80 percent would get a cutback, 10 percent will remain the same and 10 percent would go up.”

Curley said further rate changes are not likely.

Eight editors at major U.S. newspapers across the country stated in the most recent letter addressed to Curley and AP Executive Editor Kathleen Carroll, sent Jan. 2, 2008, that:

“The failure of Associated Press to cut its rates is especially mystifying given that AP itself seems to be expanding, most recently adding to its already robust, admirably strong foreign coverage, even as its newspaper members undergo rigorous and continuous belt-tightening ... Editors would have welcomed consultation, in the traditional spirit of partnership between AP and member newspapers, on whether foreign coverage was more important to them than a rate cut.”

Another letter, sent by editors and publishers at six Ohio newspapers Dec. 21, 2007, states that both the rates and news practices are unacceptable, and that “we pay nearly $4 million annually to the AP. That's a hefty sum even during the best of times – and we all would certainly agree that these are not the best of times.”

For more of the reprinted letters, visit the E&P Web site.