Google Launches Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia To Empower Local News Publishers
The programme aims to equip local newsrooms with the tools to thrive in the evolving media landscape.
By Jeremy Ng — 18 Jul 2024, 05:07 PM
Today, 18 July, Google announced the launch of the Google News Initiative's Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia, supported by the Ministry of Communications
This comprehensive programme is designed to empower small and medium-sized news publishers in Malaysia, while equipping local newsrooms with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the evolving media landscape.
The Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia is the latest addition to a series of Google News Initiative (GNI) programmes working directly with publishers
These GNI programmes aim to help publishers of all sizes enhance their digital advertising capabilities and foster sustainable business models.
This programme, in particular, will focus on providing technical and product training, as well as hands-on support for optimising websites, improving audience engagement, and growing advertising revenue.
By participating in the Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia, newsrooms will gain valuable insights and strategies to grow their digital advertising revenues, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality news to communities across Malaysia.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the ministry welcomes and appreciates Google's initiative to improve media sustainability in Malaysia
"This collaboration marks a crucial milestone for the Malaysian news industry. By equipping news publishers with essential digital tools and expertise, we believe that their business models can be enhanced, ensuring a diverse, more sustainable, and thriving local news ecosystem," he said.
Rafiq Razali, Group Managing Director of Media Prima Berhad, said that the launch of the Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia by Google marks a positive development for local media and reflects Google's ongoing dedication to innovation.
"We are confident that this will pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future for news and content creators across the country, unlocking new opportunities for the Malaysian media industry and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem that will ultimately benefit content consumers," said Rafiq, who has previously assisted the Ministry of Communications on projects related to the news publishing industry.
"We're excited to launch the Advertising Revenue Lab to help Malaysian news publishers to adapt, evolve, and build more sustainable businesses," said Kate Beddoe, Managing Director, News Partnerships, Google Asia Pacific
"This new programme will help Malaysian news publishers thrive in the digital age by providing them with tools and training and helping to ensure the future of journalism in Malaysia," added Farhan S Qureshi, Country Director for Google Malaysia.
For more information and to apply for the Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia, please visit the programme application page
