16th June 2023,Mumbai: Google has recently unveiled the Google News Initiative (GNI) Indian Languages Programme, a comprehensive initiative designed to assist local news publishers in India in enhancing their online presence and attracting a larger readership. Aimed at small and medium-sized news organizations that produce original content in nine languages, including English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi, the programme offers valuable resources such as training, technical support, and funding.
The primary goal of the GNI Indian Languages Programme is to equip publishers with a diverse array of tools and best practices, enabling them to significantly improve user experience and generate higher revenue on the web. Through scalable inspiration series and online seminars, publishers will receive guidance on key subjects including YouTube, News Consumer Insights (NCI), Core Web Vitals, and website optimization. By evaluating critical factors such as basic web vitals and page speed, the programme will conduct a comprehensive diagnosis to identify areas for improvement.
To further enhance user experience, selected publishers will have the opportunity to receive specialized advice and technical assistance tailored to their specific needs. This personalized support aims to help publishers overcome challenges and achieve their goals effectively.
Interested news organizations can submit their applications for the GNI Indian Languages Programme until June 30, 2023. To be eligible, publishers must be small or medium-sized Indian language news organizations with a functioning website, a minimum of 50 full-time staff members, and at least 12 months of continuous operation. The applications will be assessed by the Google Project team members and industry experts. News outlets eager to participate can apply for the program through the GNI website, seizing this valuable opportunity to enhance their online presence and strengthen their position in the digital landscape.
-by Kashvi Gala