California and Google Strike Controversial Journalism Funding Deal
The agreement replaces proposed legislation that would have required tech giants to pay news publishers directly, sparking debates over its impact on local journalism.
- The deal allocates nearly $250 million over five years to support California-based news organizations, with contributions from both Google and state taxpayers.
- Critics argue the agreement may exclude small and new news startups, as eligibility criteria favor larger, established outlets.
- The deal includes the creation of a National AI Innovation Accelerator, sparking concerns about the role of AI in journalism.
- The original bills, AB886 and SB1327, aimed to force tech companies to share ad revenue with news publishers but were shelved after intense lobbying from Google and others.
- The settlement has raised questions about the independence of journalism when it relies on funding from both government and major tech companies.
Jacobin 
American Enterprise Institute 