Whether it’s a journalist on social media or a digital news startup, emerging news providers are playing a growing role in helping people stay informed on news that’s important to them. Many cover topics and local or language-based communities that are underreported — sometimes known as ‘news gaps’.

But with so many new entrants, it can be difficult to distinguish those producing helpful information. We want to work alongside the news ecosystem to guide and inform how we engage with and support this growing sector.

Along with multiple partners, we are launching the Global News Gaps Project to help address this challenge by:

• Supporting the launch of the News Creators Project — an effort led by FT Strategies and supported by WAN-IFRA, as the lead industry association partner, to deepen understanding of news voices operating primarily on social media and video platforms
• Growing Project Oasis — a global effort profiling over 5,000 digital news organizations and 1,000 news creators
• Offering 300 emerging news providers, with training on Google products and strategic consultations to support long-term growth. 150 will receive membership to WAN-IFRA and funding to build capacity

Emerging news providers can apply here.