Google pledges to give millions of pounds to news organisations across Europe

Those eligible to receive the money range from established publishers to start-up news providers, and the money will be given over the course of the next three years. 

 

According to the BBC, those supporting the plan include the Financial Times, De Zeit in Germany and El Pais in Spain, but all those involved may need to show readers that the backing will not affect the objectivity of their reporting. 

 

Carlo D'Asaro, head of strategic relationships for Google in Europe, said the company will work “hand in hand” with news publishers and journalism organisations, with the aim of “developing more sustainable models for news”. 

 

As well as providing money, Google intends to help publishers find ways to boost revenues through advertising, apps and analytics, and to research how people consume news. Google employees will be based in London, Hamburg and Paris to give journalists training in digital skills. 

 

Those not currently on the list of backers  include the publications belonging to either News Corp or Berlin's Axel Springer group, but D'Asaro insists there is nothing stopping them from joining. "This is just the beginning, and we invite others to join us,” he said.