Acknowledging that the world is in a rather unique place when it comes to news and quality journalism, Google has launched the first Google News Initiative (GNI) Innovation Challenge for the Middle East and Africa.
The GNI Innovation Challenge serves as a way for news innovators across the world to come up with creative strategies to incorporate digital journalism into their more traditional news-gathering and -sharing processes. And, in doing so, develop new business models for the industry.
Proposals will be accepted for projects from news organisations of all sizes – from traditional publishers to news start-ups – that want to do something different and build innovative digital media projects in the process.
Speaking at a media event in Cape Town yesterday, Sandra Whitney, director of global partnerships for Google for EMEA, explained the search engine giant aims to make information available to everyone but can only do that when the news industry is thriving.
“Let’s be honest, we really are at a challenging time when it comes to quality journalism. Today, the average user has so many different places to go when it comes to news content. But these sources aren’t always of the best quality and they aren’t always accurate.”
The GNI wants to help news organisations that are producing reliable content to come up with creative ways to tell stories and share information.
Also at the event, Ludovic Blecher, head of the GNI, said the editorial world can no longer just copy and paste the same recipes over and over again. The market has changed – the news industry has to explore unique business models to survive and consumers are consuming content via new channels and in new ways.
The challenge is focused on increasing reader engagement and supporting the media as they brainstorm how to stay relevant in an ever-changing digital world. It’s about using technology to have a real impact on the entire news ecosystem, he added.
A panel will evaluate submissions for the challenge and fund selected ideas for up to 70% of the total cost of the project, with a maximum of $150 000 being handed out for the best ideas.
“We are not funding content creation or pure editorial. We are offering the opportunity to try new things using your existing assets,” he concluded. “It’s about technology, transforming your business, creating new products and engaging with the audience in new ways.”
Those keen to get involved in the Innovation Challenge have until Monday, 2 September, to submit their applications. More information on eligibility, rules, criteria and funding is available on the GNI Web site, and questions can be directed to the GNI project team by e-mailing meagnichallenge@google.com.
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