The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) promotes the digital transformation in more than 80 media outlets in Central and South America under an initiative supported by the technology company Google News, which provides specialized advice and essential resources to advance towards digitalization
According to the IAPA this Thursday, the program Enhanced Fundamentals Lab (EFL) has been strengthened since launch In August 2023 and by mid-2024, they already have measurable results under the leadership of the consulting firm Marktube Group.
“We are very satisfied with the successful results of these laboratories supported by Google. Media outlets that I have known for years, some working from exile, have made significant progress in their way of operating, distributing their content, monetizing it and reporting thanks to this program,” said Roberto Rock, president of the SIP and director of the Mexican portal The Broken Chair.
The project was designed to coordinate efforts that will allow media outlets to emerge from the digital age and to optimize their presence in cyberspace, improve the attention of their audiences on the Internet and, above all, increase their monetization by charging technology companies for viewing content.
The program is designed in two stages of three months each, which consist of first training the staff, then a situational diagnosis, followed by staff training sessions to take advantage of the resources available on the network.
This training process allows media outlets to apply for projects to receive external funding with which they can execute and improve their technical and financial capabilities, says the SIP.
From Googlethe person in charge for the Latin American region, Rodrigo Bonilla –cited in the statement- assures that there is a commitment from the technological giant to support this project aimed at empowering journalism and improving user communities.
“At Google we believe in the power of journalism (…) The concrete results of this project, from increases in audiences and revenue to innovative uses of Artificial Intelligence, demonstrate the transformative impact of this collaboration in pursuit of a more sustainable future for journalism in our region,” he said. “, Bonilla, who serves as Google’s Director of News Partnerships for Latin America.
Numbers and results
In less than a year since the EFL initiative launched by the SIP, 40% of participating media have reported an increase in unique users and views of their content. Above all, after the consultancy, media have seen improvements in internal logistical processes, including the consolidation of the editorial, technological, writing and content monetization departments.
“We feel more empowered and with a more professional approach to our content. The impact has been very positive,” shared Persio Maldonado, director of The new daily from Dominican Republic.
For Gisela Carmona, director of The Impulse of Venezuelathe impact of the program “was beneficial for those of us who have done traditional print journalism and who are transforming our newsrooms.”
“With this program, Google News Initiative has left a significant mark on the media grouped in the SIP by equipping and leveling them with the techniques, knowledge and tools necessary to reinforce, rethink and relaunch the digital transformation strategy,” commented Carlos Mauricio Flores, director of The Herald from Honduras.
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channels Youtube, WhatsApp and to newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Add Comment