Google launches emergency relief fund for local news publishers

By Omobayo Azeez

The Google News Initiative (GNI) has launched a journalism emergency relief fundto deliver urgent aid to thousands of small, medium and local news publishers globally.

The funding is open to news organisations producing original news for local communities during this time of global crisis, and will range from the low thousands of dollars for small hyper-local newsrooms to low tens of thousands for larger newsrooms, with variations per region, it said in a statement recently.

According to Richard Gingras, vice president,  news at Google, said starting from Tuesday 14 April, publishers everywhere can apply for funds via a simple application form while  applications for the offer close close on Wednesday April 29, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

“We have made this as streamlined as possible to ensure we get help to eligible publishers all over the world. At the end of the process, we’ll announce who has received funding and how publishers are spending the money,” Gingras said.

He further explained that local news is a vital resource for keeping people and communities connected in the best of times.

“Today, it plays an even greater function in reporting on local lockdowns or shelter at home orders, school and park closures, and data about how COVID-19 is affecting daily life. But that role is being challenged as the news industry deals with job cuts, furloughs and cutbacks as a result of the economic downturn prompted by COVID-19.

“Recognising that covering the coronavirus pandemic can take its toll on reporters on the front line, Google.org is giving $1 million collectively to the International Centre for Journalists, which plans to provide immediate resources to support reporters globally, and the Columbia Journalism School’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, which is helping journalists exposed to traumatic events experienced during the crisis,” he explained.

This news builds on other efforts Google has made to support the industry and connect people to quality information at this time of need.

“We believe it is important to do what we can to alleviate the financial pressures on newsrooms, and will continue to look at other ways to help with more to announce soon,” Gingras said.