News Brief: February Updates from the Google News Initiative

At the Google News Initiative last month, we felt the love for new publisher tools, training programs and newsroom success stories. See February updates below.

One World Media Fellowship opens for applications

The One World Media Fellowship is a year-long, GNI-supported program aimed at aspiring journalists and filmmakers who seek to report on stories from countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Working in film, print, audio or multimedia, fellows’ projects bring together integrity and creativity to present underreported stories that break down stereotypes and build cross-cultural connections.

Applications are open until April 7, and we particularly encourage submissions from underrepresented ethnic groups, applicants who identify as women, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities ands people from and based in the global south.

Fostering diversity in Latin American newsrooms

We supported the Diversity in News and in Newsrooms course, developed by the Knight Center. More than 1700 journalists from 12 countries participated in the four-week course, which addressed the challenges of diversity, equity and equality and how to cover these issues. Special guests Keith Woods, NPR's Chief Diversity Officer, and Krissah Thompson, Diversity Editor of the Washington Post, among others, shared their experience and best practices.

San Francisco Chronicle improves mobile subscriptions rate by 54%

The San Francisco Chronicle usedNews Consumer Insights (NCI), a free data tool for news organizations, to grow their mobile subscriptions by 54%. Using NCI, the San Francisco Chronicle team discovered new opportunities to grow subscriptions through their newsletter and developed a simplified mobile subscription process.

GNI Canada event brings together local newsrooms

We hosted a GNI Canada event focused on supporting and engaging with the Canadian news industry, enabling connection, learning and growth. More than 100 attendees from local Canadian newsrooms participated in sessions focused on training journalists, growing audience engagement with News Consumer Insights and increasing revenue. 

The Frenchand English sessions are available to view on demand, and Canadian publishers can access resources from the event online.

Taiwanese publisher READr uses audience participation to boost reader engagement

Taiwan’s READr relies on its audience to support its fact-checking platform. Teaming with GNI’s Design Accelerator program in Asia Pacifc, READr boosted reader engagement through opportunities for audience participation, allowing readers to interact with content and provide feedback. The changes grew page views 400% in the first week, increased time spent on site, and helped add 40,000 new users in the first two months. 

That’s all for February. Check back next month for more updates, and follow along through our newsletter and social for more newsroom resources.

by Kai RidenoureGoogle News Initiative via The Keyword