Newsom Won’t Allocate New Journalism Funds Despite $175M Google Deal
California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided not to allocate new funds for local journalism, despite a recent $175 million agreement with Google. This decision raises questions about the state’s commitment to supporting local newsrooms in California.
Background on the Google Agreement
In August 2024, a partnership was announced between California state leaders and Google. This collaboration aimed at investing $175 million over five years to bolster local journalism. Newsom previously praised this deal as a significant advancement in preserving news operations in the state.
- Agreement Value: $175 million
- Duration: Five years
- Google’s Lobbying Expenditure: $11 million
Implications for Local Journalism
The absence of new funding in Newsom’s latest budget proposal has raised concerns among journalists and news organizations. The proposed fund was established to assist local newsrooms, many of which have been struggling financially.
This backtrack from the initial promise could significantly impact the future of journalism in California. The uncertainty around funding raises questions about the sincerity of state initiatives aimed at supporting media outlets.
Concluding Thoughts
As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how these financial decisions affect California’s local journalism landscape. The promise of support seems overshadowed by the current lack of funding from state leadership.
