Supporting news innovation in the Asia Pacific region

News organizations in Asia Pacific are at the forefront of innovation when it comes to connecting with readers and exploring new business models. We’ve seen this first-hand, working with partners across the region and heard great ideas for encouraging a more sustainable news industry.To support this innovation, today we’re pleased to announce the third Asia Pacific Google News Initiative (GNI) Innovation Challenge, as part of our ongoing commitment to support the news industry around the world.Applications are open to news organizations of all sizes for projects that focus on innovation in the news industry. Previous rounds of the Innovation Challenge supported more than 30 publishers across APAC to develop sustainable business models by diversifying revenue streams and increasing audience engagement.Some past recipients include:The News Minute in India launched a membership program to turn fans into members.South Korea’s Busan Daily used AI to gain a new understanding of audience preferences and introduced personalization to onsite search, deepening engagement and increasing conversions.The Conversation in Australia developed new community standards and tools to make conversations on its platform safer, more inclusive and constructive.In Pakistan, The Current built a new membership model and tested an alternate stream of revenue for digital news startups.In Japan, Asahi Shimbun focused on tipping and donations as new means of reader revenue.Kumparan in Indonesia created a donation process so people can pledge money directly from news platforms.The women-run rural news outlet Khabar Lahariya in India made the transition to digital, reaching new readers and building a stronger business.