The modern landscape of journalism is heavily intertwined with big tech companies such as Google and Facebook. These tech giants have not only revolutionized the distribution of news but have also been at the forefront of technological innovations in the industry. Google News Initiative’s Innovation Challenge, for instance, provides funding to news organizations to incorporate new technologies into their journalism practices. While this has led to exciting projects and advancements in journalism, it has also raised concerns about the dependency of newsrooms on big tech companies.
Our research focused on news organizations in the Global South that received grants from the Google News Initiative’s Innovation Challenge. While many of these organizations launched innovative projects, a significant number struggled to sustain them long term. Financial and technical constraints were cited as major hurdles, with some projects having to be discontinued after an initial promising start. This has led to a cycle of dependency on further funding and support, ultimately affecting the independence of news organizations.
The Role of Outsourcing in Journalism
Many news organizations outsourced technical development to companies and individuals outside their countries, often in the United States, Canada, or the European Union. While this may offer short-term benefits in terms of cost and time savings, it raises concerns about empowering newsrooms to develop their own capabilities. This trend may contribute to a form of “digital colonialism” where news organizations in the Global South are reliant on external expertise for technological advancements.
While some projects like Stears in Nigeria demonstrated success in planning for long-term sustainability, many others faced challenges in maintaining their initiatives. Several projects were phased out or never made publicly available, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and financial sustainability in journalism projects. Google’s support in encouraging long-term planning should be extended to a more diverse range of news organizations to foster sustainable innovations.
Google’s “Philanthrocapitalist” Approach
Google has been criticized for profiting from news content without adequately compensating news publishers. By positioning itself as a philanthropic organization through initiatives like the Google News Initiative, Google aims to build goodwill among journalists and media organizations. However, this strategy also serves Google’s broader interests by potentially influencing regulatory environments that could impact the tech giant’s obligations to news publishers. Journalists and news organizations should remain vigilant and advocate for fair compensation for their work.
To safeguard the independence of journalism, news organizations must prioritize building direct relationships with their audience and reducing reliance on third-party platforms like big tech companies. Staying informed about regulatory changes and actively participating in policy discussions are essential for shaping the future of the news-tech relationship. While Google can contribute positively to journalism, it should broaden its funding criteria to support a wider range of news organizations and extend support beyond technological innovations to encompass broader newsroom operations.
While big tech companies have played a significant role in advancing journalism through technological innovations and funding initiatives, the dependency of news organizations on these tech giants raises concerns about press independence. To ensure the sustainability and independence of journalism, news organizations must prioritize long-term planning, reduce reliance on external expertise, and advocate for fair compensation for their work. Google and other big tech companies should also broaden their support to encompass a more diverse range of news organizations and journalistic projects.