Channels Television, The Guardian and Legit.NG – Nigeria – were part of the 87 winners of Google News Initiative (GNI) – YouTube innovation funding. This fund will aid newsrooms and publishers to fortify their video capabilities and innovate new formats for video journalism.
GNI is a program designed to “help quality journalism thrive in the digital age” by providing grants – cash without equity – to media organizations that are considered to have potential. The initiative started in Europe in 2015 with a $170 million fund. This later extended to YouTube after GNI set aside $25 million and pledged to work with media figures to combat fake news and develop new features.
Loads of organizations tendered proposals through an open application announced in July. The 87 recipients pooled from 23 countries across the world. They represent a diverse range of broadcasters, traditional and digital publishers, local media, agencies and creators, but all same thing in common – a commitment to quality journalism and innovative spirit.
Google believes that much of these projects are absorbed on expanding newsroom video operations and trying out new ways of reporting news through video — from reaching younger audiences online to exploring live and fact-checking formats. While other projects mirror the sustainability of news organizations – new business models and programs to support a healthy news ecosystem in the world.
This development strengthens Youtube’s commitment to supporting a strong future for news video. Over the next months, the company will be sharing insights gained from the projects and giving newsrooms the opportunity to benefit from the learnings, as they work together to support the development of long-term, sustainable news video businesses.