California's Deal with Google Spawns Tension in Journalism Community
Friday, 30 August 2024, 06:31
California's Controversial Journalism Funding Deal
California's recent partnership with Google has generated significant backlash from local journalists. The agreement, which establishes a $250-million fund, aims to alleviate the financial struggles faced by the state's newsrooms but has been criticized as inadequate.
Provisions of the Agreement
- Funding Structure: Google pledges $173 million over five years, but the funds are primarily directed to tech initiatives rather than local journalism.
- Journalism Transformation Fund: A new nonprofit entity will manage fund distribution, raising concerns about transparency and control.
- Taxpayer Burden: California taxpayers will contribute $70 million to this fund, which critics label unjust.
Industry Response
Journalists and media groups have expressed concern over the lack of inclusiveness in the decision-making process, branding the deal 'undemocratic.' They urge more serious consideration of structural solutions to the crisis facing local news.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.