The digital news initiative is a European organisation established by Google to support high quality online journalism through innovative technology and media development. It currently covers an “Innovation Lab” worth EUR 150m, which this year issued grants to 461 different projects across the continent. One of its core missions is to increase the value and relevance of the news industry through innovation. It also provides the infrastructure for news companies to build up digital news products and services, such as video, browser-based content, and mobile apps. It has developed a new model for producing news, called “algorithmic news”. This is a big change from the way that news was produced in the past.

Many news organisations were content to adopt the same APA-style format of reporting that they had been using for years. They found this to be a comfortable format for them to work within. However, because this format relies so heavily on keywords, content and research, it can be very time consuming. With the digital news initiative now opening up the European space to innovation, it is hoped that the long delays and cost restraints that were experienced over the last few years will not affect the growth and development of this sector.

Some publishers welcomed the chance to get involved with the European digital news initiative. Helen Clark Publishers Association (HCP) said that while it was pleased that the initiative is open for competition and that new platforms are being made available to media organisations, it was disappointed that there were not more opportunities to develop European-relevant content. However, agency , CEO of the Independent Press Foundation, said that the fact that there is no limit to the number of publications that can be submitted means that innovators can get their ideas in front of potentially millions of viewers. “The key to success is in having the right ambition and a strategy in place that you can implement in the medium to longer term,” she added. “The digital news initiative shows great potential, but we need to watch it really carefully.”

In Europe, the launch of the digital news initiative coincides with the release of the Digital Single Market Strategy. This plan is designed to promote innovation across all sectors of the economy, and includes a commitment to an open, fair and competitive digital market. “This European digital news platform offers editors and owners real-time access to key markets and allows them to expand their coverage,” said Anna phrasal, managing editor at news portal EUR Press. “The fact that it’s open to all means that you can get your ideas across to a much larger audience.” She went on to say that she expects publishers to experiment with the format in the coming months, before deciding whether or not to launch a European version.

The European digital news platform, launched in September, has already proved to be popular among publishers. “It was designed to make publishing more sustainable and collaborative, rather than simply take one approach and put up a site with the same content as everybody else,” said Florian Bolisch, managing director at La Quadrature du Midi. “With the help of a working group it’s very easy to create a shared online community for publishers to share ideas, resources and news.” Other initiatives being tested by the European digital news initiative include the launch of a podcast, which will allow for more interaction between online users. Other experiments include the participation of established journalists, as well as freelancers, who could contribute their own unique voice to the growing platform.

For Europe’s journalists, participation in digital news events could strengthen their own careers. “If you work as a journalist, you know how important it is to maintain a good rapport with your readers, especially online. That’s why participation in digital events by the press is important,” said Pawel Brogana, head of communication at the Association of Independent Publishers.” Journalists who have succeeded in making themselves visible through blogging or podcasts have established new relationships with their readers, potentially providing a solid source of revenue.”

As well as strengthening partnerships with the private sector, participation in the European News Initiative provides publishers with a valuable resource. “There has been an explosion in the number of new websites over the last few years, and this makes it difficult for newspapers to cover the market fully. If agency want to stay ahead of the competition, it’s in your best interests to join the ENI,” says Florian Bolisch, managing director of La Quadrature du Midi. Joining forces with other European publishing companies will help the ENI provide quality content that can be efficiently downloaded from the ESI website. This will allow publishers to focus on core business activities, rather than trying to develop a niche story.

“The growth of the internet and smartphone technology mean there is a huge demand for up to date, quality European journalism. Now, this demand can be fulfilled by joining forces with European digital publications and participating in the European News Initiative. Participating in such initiatives provides a platform for businesses and non-profit organizations to work together. By doing so, publishers gain access to free press releases and exclusive press stories, as well as expert knowledge and comment from leading industry experts. Ultimately, participating in agency provides a way for European journalism to grow and thrive.”