Anna Hubbel, writer at AdvertiseMint, Facebook ads company
Video journalism is growing, and Google is helping it along. Last month, YouTube announced the 87 recipients of its innovation funding for improved online video capabilities and format experimentation as part of the Google News Initiative (GNI). Many organizations applied, but Google was very selective about which newsrooms and publishers would have the opportunity to revolutionize video journalism with this funding.
YouTube first announced the funding program for news organizations as part of GNI back in July. GNI officially kicked off prior to that in March, establishing intent to assist journalists everywhere with their digital aspirations.
A total of 87 recipients from 23 countries across the globe were selected for the funding program. In the blog post announcement, YouTube said these recipients “represent a diverse array of broadcasters, traditional and digital publishers, local media, agencies and creators, but all share a commitment to quality journalism and a spirit of innovation.”
Below is Google’s graphic showcasing all the chosen news organizations.
“Many of these projects are focused 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,” YouTube said in the post. “Other projects look at the sustainability of news organizations, including work on new business models and programs to support a healthy news ecosystem.”
Examples of the funded projects include
- Advance Local (United States): This publisher plans to use a new format that connects directly with viewers for better local news storytelling.
- The Economist (United Kingdom): This publisher will use live streaming and audience engagement tools to make it easier for viewers to interact with news stories and help the organization tell the truth behind trending topics.
- HugoDécrypte (France): Using a studio-based live news show, this news creator will create an on-screen space for its YouTube community to learn about and debate key issues.
- La Nación (Argentina): This newspaper organization is expanding its news coverage to video, taking its investigative journalism to a new level of engaging content.
- Narasi TV (Indonesia): The media company will mobilize its community and offer workshops for emerging citizen journalists that provide training for visual storytelling, video production, and media literacy. The company will also enhance its own video team.
- Thairath (Thailand): This digital news publisher will provide freelance journalists a rights management platform, helping them manage their footage rights.
The funding of projects such as these will help reinvent what video journalism looks like in the future.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to supporting a strong future for news video,” said YouTube. “Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing insights gained from the projects and giving newsrooms the opportunity to benefit from the learnings, as we work together to support the development of long-term, sustainable news video businesses.” The post added, “We look forward to seeing how our partners across the globe push the boundaries of video journalism.”
More information about YouTube’s contributions to the news industry can be found through Google’s news on YouTube site.
YouTube continues to alter the scope of online video. It recently also announced that its YouTube Originals service will be free to everyone, with a small catch to encourage subscriptions.
Written by Anna Hubbel, writer at AdvertiseMint, Facebook ads company
