Google Commits R688 Million to Support South African Media

Google and YouTube have agreed to a R688 million support package for South African news organisations following a Competition Commission inquiry into the impact of digital platforms. The five-year plan will fund licensing deals, newsroom innovation, and training, with a focus on strengthening national, community, and vernacular outlets.

Google says the investment will also back AI driven tools and features that help users find local news sources, forming part of its broader response to concerns over anti-competitive behaviour.