Google’s Licensing Program | August Update 2020
As you may have heard in June 2020, Google plans to launch a licensing program for publishers in the news industry. The idea behind this program is that Google will pay publishers for high-quality content. It’s going to be an upcoming feature in Google News and Discover later this year.
Last week Google explained how they are going to work with these publishers and what the priorities are.
»The goal of this project is to create something that gives readers more context and journalistic perspective on news stories as well as helps publishers’ distinct editorial voices shine through,» says Brad Bender from Google
Related article: Google Core Update | What Publishers Should Know (May 2020)
Which publishers are testing the program?
There are ten publications from Germany and Brazil, which are taking part in an early access program. To provide user experience and make this product as beneficial as possible for readers and publishers.
Google needs to collect feedback regarding the features before it launches.
Google says: »Publishers taking part in this early access program including international brands as well as local household staples like ZEIT ONLINE, Der Spiegel, Tagesspiegel, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Ippen Media Group and Rheinische Post in Germany and Estado de Minas, A Gazeta, Correio Braziliense and UOL in Brazil.»
Which features publishers will test?
Google believes that combining a diversity of knowledge, insights, and expertise is the key to success in making progress and achieve the best result of the program.
Publications involved in the early access will test:
- publisher tools;
- evaluate technical integrations;
- ensure different templates on how to represent their stories to their readers.
What more publishers and readers can expect?
According to Google, they are discussing the possibility of paying publishers who have paywalls on their websites. This means that readers will be able to access articles, which previously weren’t for free.
The main goal behind this is to »help paywalled publishers to grow audience and deepen their relationship with readers.»
Google emphasizes: »the success of this product will rest on how good the experience is for readers, so bringing in experts from the news industry to understand their insights and hear their feedback is critical.»
Since Google wants to build a stronger future for journalism, users must know what’s behind it, so it’s essential to create a product that strongly reflects the publishers’ brand.
The licensing program is expected to go public by the end of 2020. Currently, Google plans to give access to a licensing program for more publishers in more countries.
