Google has launched a new feature allowing users in Australia to customize their search experience by designating preferred news publishers.This move grants individuals greater control over the information they encounter, shifting away from a purely algorithm-driven presentation of results. The rollout signals a broader trend towards user agency in the digital news landscape.

Taking Control of Your Google News feed

previously, Google’s algorithms determined which news articles appeared prominently in Search and within the “Top Stories” carousel. Now, users can actively select sources they trust, ensuring that content from those publications is prioritized when relevant searches are conducted. This feature, called “preferred sources,” is currently available in Australia, with potential for wider global expansion.

Selecting a source like ABC News means you will see more articles from that association featured in the Top Stories section when Google identifies relevant, breaking news. This addresses concerns about algorithmic bias and the potential for misinformation by elevating trusted sources.

Why prioritize Trusted Sources?

The rise of misinformation and “fake news” has fueled a growing demand for reliable journalism. According to a 2023 Reuters Institute report, trust in news varies considerably by country and source, with public broadcasters like the ABC consistently ranking highly in Australia. (Reuters Institute,2023).

ABC News distinguishes itself through comprehensive coverage, including local reporting, national politics, international affairs, climate change, sports, and regional issues. The organization’s commitment to in-depth analysis and live updates delivers timely and relevant information to the public.

How to Designate Your Preferred Sources

Users can easily customize their Google Search results with these simple steps:

  1. Enter a timely news topic into the google search bar.
  2. Locate and click the icon appearing to the right of the Top Stories section; it resembles two overlapping cards with a star.
  3. Search for the news organization you wish to prioritize.
  4. Select the desired source from the displayed options.
  5. Refresh your search results to see the change in effect.

Alternatively, users can directly access the preference settings through this link

How do I add or remove preferred news sources in Google Search?

Google Search Gets Personal: Australian Users Now Control News Sources

Google has rolled out a notable update for Australian users, granting them greater control over the news sources featured in their Google Search results. This move, responding to ongoing debates surrounding news aggregation and media bargaining, allows individuals to prioritize publications they trust – including prominent Australian outlets like ABC News – directly within their search experience.

How the New Feature Works: Your Preferred News Sources

The functionality isn’t a complete overhaul of Google Search, but rather a refinement of the “About this result” feature. Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:

  1. Accessing the Tool: When conducting a Google Search for news-related queries, users will now see an option to “Manage your preferred news sources.” This appears within the “About this result” panel for individual search results.
  2. Adding Sources: Clicking this option opens a dedicated interface where users can search for and select their preferred news organizations. Google provides a curated list, and users can suggest sources not currently listed.
  3. Boosting Visibility: Selecting a news source doesn’t guarantee it will always appear at the very top of search results. Tho, Google’s algorithm will now consider your preferences, increasing the likelihood of seeing articles from your chosen publications when relevant to your search query.
  4. Transparency & Control: The system is designed to be transparent. Users can easily view and modify their list of preferred sources at any time, giving them ongoing control over their news feed within Google Search.

Why This Matters: The australian Context & Media Bargaining

This update is directly linked to Australia’s landmark media bargaining laws, enacted in 2021. These laws aimed to address the power imbalance between digital platforms like Google and news publishers, requiring platforms to negotiate compensation for the use of news content.

While the initial implementation of these laws was contentious, involving temporary restrictions on Google Search in Australia, the situation has evolved.Google’s move to allow users to select preferred sources can be seen as a proactive step towards addressing concerns about algorithmic bias and promoting a more diverse news ecosystem. It also allows users to directly support the news organizations they value.

Benefits of Personalized News in Search

* Increased Trust: By prioritizing sources you trust,you’re more likely to encounter news that aligns with your values and journalistic standards.

* Reduced Filter Bubbles (Potentially): While personalization can sometimes reinforce existing biases, actively choosing a variety of sources can help expose you to different perspectives.

* Support for Quality Journalism: Increased visibility for preferred publishers can contribute to their sustainability in a challenging media landscape.

* More Relevant Results: tailoring your search experience to your news preferences can lead to more informative and useful search results.

* Combating Misinformation: prioritizing reputable news organizations can help reduce the spread of false or misleading information.

Practical Tips for Using the Feature

* Diversify Your Sources: Don’t limit yourself to a single news outlet. Choose a range of publications with different perspectives to get a well-rounded view of current events.

* Regularly Review Your List: News organizations evolve. Periodically review your preferred sources to ensure they still align with your values.

* Experiment with Different Sources: Try adding and removing sources to see how it affects your search results.

* Utilize “About this Result”: Always check the “About this result” panel to understand the source of the information and its potential biases.

* Combine with Fact-Checking: Even with preferred sources, it’s crucial to critically evaluate information and cross-reference it with other reputable sources.

Real-World Impact: Early User feedback

Initial feedback from Australian users has been largely positive. Many appreciate the added control over their search experience and the ability to support their favorite news organizations. Some users have reported a noticeable difference in the types of articles appearing in their search results, with a greater emphasis on publications they’ve selected. However, it’s vital to note that the feature is still relatively new, and its long-term impact remains to be seen.

Beyond Australia: Potential Global Expansion

While currently limited to Australian users, there’s speculation that Google may expand this feature to other countries in the future. The success of the rollout in Australia will likely influence this decision. The global conversation around media bargaining and the responsibility of tech platforms to support journalism is ongoing, making this a potentially significant development for news consumers worldwide.

Understanding Google’s Algorithm & News Ranking

It’s important to understand that Google’s search algorithm is incredibly complex. Factors beyond your preferred sources – such as relevance,authority,freshness,and user location – still play a significant role in determining search rankings. This feature is designed