Team Overseeing Google’s $100 Million for News Outlets Shares Governance Plan ( Photo: Bloomberg)
Google has unveiled the governance structure for its $100 million fund aimed at supporting news outlets in Canada. This initiative is designed to promote sustainability, equity, and innovation within the journalism industry.
The Canadian Journalism Collective (CJC) submitted its governance plan to the Canada Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) this week, making the details public on Wednesday. This submission is part of the CRTC’s public consultations regarding the Online News Act, which requires tech companies to negotiate agreements with news publishers for the use of their content.
The CJC had limited time to create this governance framework, which is being closely monitored by other nations, including the United States, as they consider similar measures. The CRTC will evaluate the CJC's plan to see if it aligns with its expectations. If approved, Google will receive an exemption from the law.
This step is crucial for ensuring fair distribution of funds among various news organizations, regardless of their business models. The CJC's board will consist of 19 directors: eight representing publishers, eight for broadcasters, and three independent members. This structure aims to include a mix of large and small outlets, startups, non-profits, and voices from Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities.
To support the governance model, two councils will be established to make recommendations on behalf of publishers and broadcasters. An executive committee will also be formed to appoint non-voting advisors to the board. Notably, the CBC is guaranteed up to $7 million from the fund and will have a seat on the board as an observer without voting rights.
The CJC plans to appoint an ombudsman to address public concerns and create a dispute resolution committee to handle grievances. Jean La Rose, a spokesperson and interim board director for the collective, stated that the governance structure aims to promote sustainability, equity, and innovation within the Canadian news ecosystem.
Google’s commitment to maintaining news on its platform and providing this financial support stems from a deal that allows it to avoid penalties under the Online News Act. Once the CRTC grants Google an exemption, the company will distribute the funds within 60 days to the collective, which will then manage the distribution to eligible news outlets.
La Rose emphasized that the governance structure is designed to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The CJC aims to ensure equal representation among all types of news organizations, fostering an inclusive environment.
The collective was established in May by a diverse group of publishers and broadcasters representing various communities, including French-language, Indigenous, and those focused on underrepresented Canadians. Google selected the CJC for this responsibility because its principles aligned closely with the company’s goals, such as diversity and transparency.
Earlier this year, about 1,500 news organizations applied for funding under the Online News Act, and the collective will review these applicants to allocate the funds based on specific criteria. The distribution will be proportionate to the number of full-time journalists each organization employs.
This governance model marks a significant step forward in supporting the journalism industry in Canada, ensuring that funds are allocated fairly while promoting a diverse media landscape that adapts to the changing digital environment.
