Will Google News Showcase relieve the media in Switzerland?

The world’s leading search engine launched Google News Showcase in Switzerland on Tuesday, shaking up the country’s digital media ecosystem. The main press groups, such as CH Media, NZZ, Ringier, Somedia, Tamedia and 20 Minutes are joining forces with this new platform which promises to change the distribution of journalistic content.

This initiative allows publishers to maintain control over their editorial presentation while benefiting from the distribution power of Google News. The editorial staff selects their priority content daily via Showcase panels, thus guiding readers to their respective sites.

Impact on the Swiss media landscape

The economic model includes payment to publishers by Google to provide access to certain high-end content usually reserved for subscribers. This innovative approach should make it possible to attract new readers while promoting quality journalism, in a country where the digital press plays an increasing role.

This deployment makes Helvetia the 31st country to join this global program which already has more than 2,800 partner publications. This expansion demonstrates the maturity of the Swiss digital media market and its capacity to innovate, according to a Google press release issued Thursday.

Innovation et formation

The web giant is also strengthening its commitment to the digital training of Swiss journalists through the Google News Initiative. The company notably organized discussions on artificial intelligence in the media with the Association Médias d’Avenir, demonstrating its desire to support the digital transformation of the sector.

This collaboration between Google and Swiss media is part of a broader strategy to support independent journalism. The program will allow publishers to refine their digital strategies thanks to a better understanding of user behavior, as Patrick Rademacher of Ringier Media Switzerland points out in the same text.

XS