On Thursday, 5 August 2021, YouTube announced the participants for the Creator Program, in which nearly 50 independent journalists and over 40 digital-first newsrooms across the programs were selected.
YouTube announces Creator Program for independent journalists
In April, YouTube opened applications for two new programs focused on supporting the next generation of reporters and newsrooms. The Google-owned video-sharing platform wants its users and community to be connected with as much credible and trustworthy information as possible.
The company will also be working with news organisations across the world through its products that help news partners reach audiences and monetise their video content, as well as through grants and training programs as part of the Google News Initiative.
The selected participants represent 25 countries and speak nearly 20 different languages. They also report on a wide variety of topics which include local news, national politics, and untold stories from marginalised communities.
What will the selected participants benefit from the program?
The program will be year-long and the participants will receive more benefits in addition to receiving comprehensive support in building a presence and audience for themselves on YouTube.
The selected participants will receive a grant of $20 000 (close to R300k) to $50 000 (more than R700k) USD, depending on their country of residence. They will also receive training covering a range of topics, including YouTube best practices, video production, and entrepreneurship. YouTube also recently unveiled a new website to provide content creators with all the information and tools they need to create on the platform.
In April, YouTube was in the process to develop and deliver the curriculum in partnership with Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications.
Each participant will be afforded the opportunity to receive one-on-one coaching from a YouTube specialist. Google said that the specialists are located around the world and have extensive experience working with newsrooms and creators to build their audiences and businesses on YouTube.