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Fundamentals Lab

The Fundamentals Lab is a free of charge, three-month program on digital best practices for news publishers to grow audiences, reader revenue, and ad revenue.

Participants receive personalized, data-driven audits and recommendations. Labs have up to 50 publishers who collaborate with each other and experts from Google.

The immersive program builds on the News Consumer Insights analytical framework and our work with thousands of publishers globally.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but space is limited. We encourage that you apply as soon as possible.

Program Dates: Programs launch on a monthly basis.

Eligibility

You are welcome to apply if your news organization:

✓ Has produced original news content (i.e. not lifestyle, sports, etc) on a website for at least two years
✓ Has two to 100 full-time employees
✓ Uses and can grant access to Google Analytics
✓ Is willing to test and improve your workflows, products, and technology
✓ Has leadership approval to commit operational and technical resources

and you...

✓ Can commit 2-5 hours per team, per week
✓ Can assign a Project Manager to manage attendance and assignments
✓ Are willing to share insights with other publishers and the greater news industry

Lastly...

✓ You must be independently owned and operated
✓ You must not employ government officials or individuals that are also employed by government entities
✓ You must not be a Google employee or contractor

FAQ

  • Applicants that

    - Meet all eligibility criteria
    - Operate out of one of the eligible countries
    - Are not government-owned entities or Google employees or contractors

  • Participants will be selected by Google staff. We will review all applications and determine a cohort that can collaboratively work together and learn from each other.

    Google may request additional information via email regarding your application.

    Finalists will be invited to a 20-minute interview to share more about their idea or organization. Interview attendees should include anyone who would participate in the Lab.

    All applicants will be notified of selection decisions via email. Selected publishers will need to sign a participation agreement with Google.

  • Follow the link to apply and complete the application. You will be asked to provide relevant information and will need to accept Google's privacy policy. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

  • The application form contains information required to process your application. Please allow 20-30 minutes to complete the application.

  • Yes, we will review all applications.

  • Email contactgni@google.com with any questions or for additional guidance.

  • Google will process any personal data you provide in connection with this application in accordance with our privacy policy.

    Applicants may request to update, delete, or receive a copy of their responses by contacting contactgni@google.com.

  • You will receive an email from us within six weeks of the application deadline.