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Why did Google favour CNN over MEN on attack coverage?
Plus: PA Media Group posts eighth consecutive year of revenue growth
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Welcome to your daily Press Gazette media briefing on Wednesday, 8 October.
🔍In the aftermath of the Manchester synagogue attack last week the Manchester Evening News (MEN) had 28 staff involved in producing local coverage.
Yet the Google Top Stories carousel for related search terms favoured news organisations as far afield as CNN, Al Jazeera and The New York Times over the MEN. And when Google did highlight the MEN it confused the title’s Facebook page with its main site at times.
Given the MEN is the 12th biggest news website in the UK in terms of audience reach you would think Google would know its way around the site a bit better.
The serious issue all this raises is that many local people in Manchester would naturally go to Google as their first port of call for latest updates on the tragedy. And Google is failing in its job if it does not promote high-quality, on-the-ground first-hand reporting.
The advertising revenue that once supported much bigger newsrooms at titles like the MEN has almost entirely been taken by Google, Meta and specialist classified advertising portals. The least Google can do with all that money (£20bn+ in UK advertising alone last year) is effectively signpost users to local news sources when big news breaks.
The agency made deep cuts in its newsroom staff earlier this year (with 25 jobs going) reflecting pressure on its core news agency business.
PA’s growing revenue reflects huge diversification of the business into new areas including: PR and marketing services, training, racing and sports data and picture library Alamy.
While many of its core subscribers (particularly regional media groups) have been in decline, PA has managed to grow by pivoting into non-news areas.
On Press Gazette
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Google appears to prioritise global newsbrands over local ones for breaking news events
SEO expert explains why local news providers can “miss out” amid major news events.
PA Media Group continues revenue growth for eighth year in a row
Accounts for 2024 are first under new CEO Emily Shelley.
Synergy at its best: Why content licensing is worth it (promoted)
A content licence is the first step toward building a true win-win partnership between publishers and brands.
News in brief
GB News has responded to the latest Ofcom ruling finding it breached the Broadcasting Code: “We won’t be bullied by partisan organisations like the Good Law Project, whose main motivation appears to be silencing anyone it disagrees with.” (Press Gazette)
Some CBS News staffers have condemned the appointment of Bari Weiss as new editor-in-chief after the $150M Free Press deal. One told The Guardian: “A throwing up emoji isn’t enough.” Another called it “utterly depressing”. (The Guardian)
All 26 councillors at Moray Council have jointly expressed strong opposition at STV’s plan to end its dedicated news programme for the north of Scotland, which they said would mean a “significant and damaging loss” to communities. (Moray Council)
Footballco has hired BATFA and Sports Emmy-winning producer and director Grant Best as it grows its premium long-form video output and talent-led shows. (Footballco)
Global has launched Global Studios to boost podcast growth and video-first strategy. It will feature shows like The News Agents and content from newly acquired creator network The Fellas Studios. (Global)