California's News Landscape in Peril: Google-State Deal Raises Bias Concerns

A $180 million government-tech deal to fund local news outlets in California has sparked fears of progressive bias and censorship. The deal, which involves Google and UC Berkeley, has critics worried that newsrooms will become beholden to the progressive views of the state government and the tech giant.

California's news landscape is facing a potential shift as a result of a $180 million deal between Google and the state government. The agreement aims to fund local news outlets but has raised concerns about bias and censorship.

California's News Landscape in Peril: Google-State Deal Raises Bias Concerns

Under the deal, Google will contribute $110 million and the state will provide $70 million over five years to local newsrooms and journalism programs. The funds will be administered by the UC Berkeley School of Journalism's newly established "News Transformation Fund."

Critics, including the Wall Street Journal's editorial board, fear that the deal will turn media outlets into "de facto government subsidiaries" and force them to toe the liberal line. The fund's board features members from identity-politics-focused groups such as the Latino Media Collaborative and California Black Media, further amplifying concerns about promoting progressive narratives.

California's News Landscape in Peril: Google-State Deal Raises Bias Concerns

The editorial board argues that "this collusion between Big Tech and Sacramento will turn media outlets into de facto government subsidiaries." It also suggests that Berkeley directing the funds will further force newsrooms to adhere to the liberal line.

Despite warnings from critics, Governor Gavin Newsom maintains that the deal will ensure "the survival of newsrooms." However, the board raises questions about the potential consequences of government funding, asking if news outlets will risk their funding by telling the truth about their political benefactors.

California's News Landscape in Peril: Google-State Deal Raises Bias Concerns

In addition to concerns about bias, the deal also includes a provision that would "steer $70 million in private dollars toward the development of artificial intelligence tools through a to-be-established nonprofit." Critics fear that this could bolster the prevalence of technology that many journalists believe could replace their jobs.

UC Berkeley, Newsom's office, and Google have not yet responded to requests for comment. As the deal is implemented, it remains to be seen how it will impact the independence and objectivity of local news outlets in California.