Google Promises Increased Funding and Visibility for Local News Outlets
Nearly 1,000 local publications across the United States will receive financial grants and training through new partnerships announced by Google on Wednesday.
Google said in a statement that it also plans to introduce new features to help users find local stories.
“This funding will help local publishers overcome technical challenges and create strategies and tactics to drive audience growth, individual donations and sponsorship revenue,” Chris Jansen, director of local news at Global Partnerships, said in a blog post.
Today, @Google is announcing new initiatives to invest in local news organizations across the U.S., supporting the vital role local news plays in our communities. Learn more: https://t.co/8Kesr6V2yX (1/4)— Google News Initiative (@GoogleNewsInit) June 8, 2023
This announcement builds on other Google News Initiative (GNI) programs, which the company says helped participants see more than 50 percent year-over-year growth in digital advertising revenue after participating in a three-month training program.
It said GNP programs have helped nonprofit newsrooms see an 87 percent increase in sponsorship revenue, a 75 percent increase in advertising revenue and a 41 percent increase in event revenue.
In addition, Google announced that it will soon launch News Showcase in the US in partnership with more than 150 news publications, 90 percent of which are local or regional.
“We’re also announcing today that we’re updating the Follow tab on Google News to help local publications appear more frequently on Google News and provide an easier way for readers to find the news that matters to them,” the statement added.
