**Google News Initiative Seeks to Support Local News**
The Google News Initiative (GNI) is a global program that provides funding, training, and resources to news organizations around the world. GNI’s goal is to help local news organizations survive and thrive in the digital age.
One of GNI’s key initiatives is the Local News Transformation Fund. This fund provides financial support to local news organizations that are developing innovative ways to reach and engage their audiences. In 2021, GNI awarded $3 million in grants to 30 local news organizations in the United States.
In addition to financial support, GNI also provides training and resources to local news organizations. GNI offers a variety of online courses on topics such as digital journalism, audience engagement, and business development. GNI also hosts conferences and workshops around the world to help local news organizations learn from each other and share best practices.
GNI’s work is essential to the future of local news. Local news organizations play a vital role in keeping communities informed and engaged. By providing funding, training, and resources to local news organizations, GNI is helping to ensure that local news continues to thrive in the digital age.
**Google’s Commitment to Local News**
Google is committed to supporting local news. In addition to the Google News Initiative, Google also offers a number of other programs and products that help local news organizations reach and engage their audiences.
For example, Google News Showcase is a program that pays publishers for their content to be featured in a dedicated section of the Google News app. Google also supports local news through its advertising products. Google Ad Grants provides free advertising to nonprofit organizations, including many local news organizations.
Google’s commitment to local news is based on the belief that local news is essential for a healthy democracy. Local news organizations provide the information that communities need to make informed decisions about their lives and their communities. By supporting local news, Google is helping to ensure that local news continues to thrive in the digital age..
