How do some media organizations call an election before it's officially decided? Some have their own election analysts. Others, including NPR, rely on reporting from the Associated Press for breaking news from all around the country. Especially on election night. As votes roll in, the AP is regarded as the definitive source for when a state gets called in favor of one candidate or the other. It's how we find out who our next president is going to be. We take a closer look at the process and answer your questions about how it works. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy