The launch of the Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) marks a turning point for South Africa’s media industry. This is from a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP).
R114m will be invested in local media over the next three years—the largest contribution ever made to support community journalism in South Africa.
For decades, community media has been the lifeline of grassroots reporting, giving a platform to voices often left unheard.
This fund aims to strengthen those foundations, helping local publishers embrace the digital era while producing impactful journalism and creating sustainable business models.
“The DNTF is not just about money—it’s about reimagining the future of journalism in South Africa,” said AIP chairperson Anetta Mangxaba. “It’s an opportunity for publishers to create content that reflects the diversity of our communities while promoting accountability and public interest.”
How the fund will work
The DNTF supports publishers at varying stages of their digital transformation journey:
- Build: For publishers with little to no digital presence, helping them get started online.
- Grow: For those with basic digital offerings, enabling them to develop further.
- Engage: For digitally mature outlets aiming to expand their reach.
The ultimate goal is to ensure every community has access to high-quality, local journalism, regardless of language or location.
Who can apply?
The fund has set clear criteria to ensure its impact reaches the right hands:
- Applicants must be local or independent publishers producing original public interest journalism, with existing or planned digital news products.
- Membership in the AIP or the use of Google products is not required, but publishers must belong to the Press Council of South Africa to show commitment to ethical journalism.
- Publishers benefiting from Google News Showcase agreements or with more than one million unique monthly visitors are excluded unless specific eligibility criteria apply.
- News aggregators, general-interest magazines, and broadcasters without a strong focus on public interest journalism are not eligible.
Whether working solo or as part of a collective, applicants must demonstrate a genuine drive for digital transformation and a clear strategy for sustainable growth.
A brighter future for community journalism
The Digital News Transformation Fund isn’t just about strengthening journalism—it’s about empowering communities.
By helping local publishers thrive in the digital space, the initiative hopes to foster accountability, amplify diverse stories, and ensure that every corner of South Africa is heard in the ever-evolving media landscape.
