Google announces second edition of GNI Indian Languages Program: What is it?

Last year, Google launched the Google News Initiative Indian Languages Program for news publishers as a way to help them tap the opportunity spotlighted in the Google-Kantar research report, which revealed that Indian language news consumers are underserved. The report found these consumers often lack sufficient news options in their own languages, prefer concise news formats and have limited access to personalised content.

Now, Google has announced the second edition of the GNI Indian Languages Program.

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This year, Google is partnering with Mediology to deliver the Indian Languages Program’s second edition, with a focus on next-generation tools for newsrooms working with Indian languages.

Program Format & How to Apply

The Indian Languages Program 2.0 will be delivered in 9 languages (English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi) and will follow a structured format that includes:

• Scaled Inspiration Series + Virtual Workshops: Eight sessions featuring guest speakers, success stories, and product-focused training.
• 1:1 Diagnosis & Workshop: Personalised assessment and guidance for all selected news publishers.
• Implementation: Dedicated consultations and technical support for a subset of news publishers.

The application window is open till June 16th, 2024. Visit this website to apply.

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Application eligibility requirements

• Any Indian Language local news organisations that produce original news and are incorporated or registered in India.
• Eligible applicants must have an operational website and a minimum of 12 months of continuous operation.
• Newsrooms with a staffing capacity of at least 30 full-time employees (FTE).
• Local and regional publishers employing more than 100 FTE journalists may also apply, selection is subject to Google’s discretion.
• Eligible applicants can include for-profit or nonprofit traditional news organisations, digital natives, and broadcasters.