In a significant boost for regional and local journalism, Country Press Australia (CPA) has renewed its partnership with Google. This agreement reaffirms Google’s commitment to supporting CPA’s 240-member mastheads and their critical work in delivering local public interest journalism across every Australian state and territory.
The renewed partnership includes the continuation of the Google News Showcase initiative, benefiting 80 publications by increasing their online readership and broadening the reach of their vital reporting. Beyond News Showcase, Google will continue to provide CPA members with training programs and access to innovative tools, such as the Reader Revenue Manager, designed to help publishers build and sustain digital subscriptions, and News Consumer Insights, which offers audience analytics to help publishers better understand and engage their readers.
Andrew Schreyer, president of Country Press Australia, said: “Google’s commitment to Country Press Australia and its 240 member mastheads is highly valued, as is the strong relationship we’ve built with their team over the past three years.
“The renewal of Country Press Australia’s agreement with Google shows it values our members’ unique and professionally produced content from rural, regional, and local communities in every Australian state and territory. And our members value Google’s support as it helps them keep supporting their communities with local public interest journalism that forms an essential piece of democratic infrastructure.
“This is not only a great outcome for Google and Country Press Australia members, but also good for the future of public interest journalism in rural, regional, and local communities at a challenging time for the industry.”*
Nic Hopkins, Google’s head of news partnerships for Australia and New Zealand, added:
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Country Press Australia. Local news is essential to informed and thriving communities, and we recognise the critical role that CPA publications play in delivering this vital service. We remain committed to supporting their long-term sustainability and success.”
The renewal of this agreement signals a continuing investment in the sustainability of regional journalism, which remains a cornerstone of Australia’s media landscape. The partnership’s emphasis on training, technology, and tools ensures CPA members are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital media environment while preserving their role as trusted voices in local communities.
As part of its broader support for regional and independent journalism, Google has also renewed agreements with several early News Showcase partners, including Solstice Media, Times News Group, The Conversation, Women’s Agenda, and Independent Australia. These efforts further highlight Google’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable news ecosystem in Australia.
For CPA’s members, this partnership represents a lifeline at a critical time for the industry, enabling them to continue delivering the high-quality, independent reporting their communities rely on.