Thank you to everyone who attended our professional development workshop featuring Google News Initiative. Thanks also to our host Franklin Pierce University Manchester campus
The details of the sessions are below. The presentations were great, thanks to the GNI presenter Colleen Kimmett.
The Journalism Taster Session
This 90-minute workshop serves as an introductory kick-off for the Journalism Track of the GNI training menu. It covers the following topics and tools:
1. Generative AI & Prompting Basics: An introduction to using Gemini for editorial workflows.
2. Content Creation: Leveraging Gemini for storytelling, drafting, and multimedia.
3. Research & Document Analysis: Deep dives into using Pinpoint and NotebookLM to extract insights from large datasets.
4. AI Detection: Using SynthID to identify AI-generated assets and maintain editorial integrity.
5. Google Trends: Using real-time data to enhance storytelling.
6. Privacy & Security: Tools and best practices for safeguarding investigative work and building a resilient newsroom.
The Audience and Revenue Growth Taster Session
This 90-minute high-level overview introduces core analytics and monetization tools. The session focuses on building sustainable business models and includes the following components:
1. Data to Intelligence: Leveraging Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and News Consumer Insights (NCI) to move from instinct-based to evidence-based storytelling and audit content impact.
2. Reader Revenue Strategies: Optimizing the publisher funnel (engagement, retention, and conversion) and using tools like Reader Revenue Manager to convert loyal “Brand Lovers” into recurring supporters.
3. Ad Revenue Optimization: Navigating the differences between AdSense and Ad Manager to maximize ad performance and optimize inventory.
4. Practical SEO & Growth: Applying technical SEO best practices (such as NewsArticle markups), passing Core Web Vitals, and using high-value channels like newsletters and web push notifications to drive habit formation.
5. Engagement & Loyalty: Focus on the “Golden Window” to reduce churn and increase visit depth.
Colleen is a journalist and educator who worked in independent media for 15 years prior to joining the Google News Initiative.