EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Almost every day at 12 News, we receive emails asking us why we use certain titles for elected officials: "Why is it that your reporter refer to Biden as President biden but whenever they talk about president Trump they just say Trump?" "Please acknowledge our President - Elect . Mr Trump or President Trump! And stop saying Trump. Have some respect. Be professional! Thanks." "Your reporters need to start addressing President Donald Trump as PRESIDENT not as Mr Trump. That is all!" So, we decided to give our viewers a peek behind the scenes at why journalists use the language we use. The Associated Press Most newsrooms in the United States follow The Associated Press' guide to language, known as the AP Stylebook. First and last name When talking about people, we use the person's first and last name the first time we refer to them in a story. After that, we use only their last name. This goes for presidents as well. Titles When talking about people with a title, such as former President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden or President-elect Donald Trump, we use their full name and title only when we first mention them. After that, we use only their last name. How does this translate to TV? The AP Stylebook is usually used for written journalism. In a TV newscast, there can be several "stories" back to back where we're talking about Trump or Biden, so we won't always use their full name and title each time they're mentioned in a new context. So, you may hear our anchors or reporters refer to President-elect Trump or President Biden on the air — but it's just so you know which member of the Trump or Biden family we are talking about. (On the other hand, if you hear us say "Mr. Trump" or "Mr. Biden," that means we've made a small error.) Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW