**Google News Initiative Helps Local Newsrooms Launch Newsletters**
**Building on the success of its *Bulletin* tool, Google News Initiative (GNI) has launched a new program to help local newsrooms create and distribute newsletters.**
The program, called the **Local News Subscription Accelerator**, provides funding, training, and technical support to news organizations that are looking to launch or grow their email newsletters. According to a Google survey, 30,000 people in the United States have signed up for newsletters from local news organizations since the program’s launch in June.
**GNI’s Local News Subscription Accelerator** is part of the company’s broader effort to support the sustainability of local journalism. In recent years, local newsrooms have been hit hard by the decline of print advertising revenue. This has led to layoffs, closures, and a decrease in the quality of local news coverage.
**GNI’s program** is designed to help local newsrooms offset the loss of print advertising revenue by generating revenue from subscriptions. *Bulletin*, the tool that powers the program, makes it easy for newsrooms to create and distribute newsletters. It also provides tools for managing subscriptions and tracking reader engagement.
**Several local newsrooms** have already seen success with the program. For example, The San Francisco Chronicle has seen a 20% increase in newsletter subscriptions since joining the program. The Texas Tribune has seen a 15% increase in newsletter revenue.
**GNI is partnering** with a number of organizations to support the program, including the American Press Institute, the Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION) Publishers, and the National Newspaper Association.
**Here are some tips for creating a successful newsletter:**
* **Start with a strong lead.** This is the most important part of your newsletter, so make sure it’s attention-grabbing and informative.
* **Keep your newsletter short and to the point.** People are busy, so they don’t have time to read long newsletters. Aim for a length of around 500 words or less.
* **Use visuals.** People are more likely to engage with a newsletter that includes images, videos, or other visuals.
* **Personalize your newsletter.** Use your newsletter to connect with your readers on a personal level. Share stories about your staff, your community, and your experiences.
* **Test and iterate.** There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a successful newsletter. Experiment with different formats, content, and delivery times to see what works best for your audience.
**If you’re a local newsroom looking to launch or grow your email newsletter, I encourage you to apply for GNI’s Local News Subscription Accelerator program.** The program can provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed.
**To learn more about GNI’s Local News Subscription Accelerator program, visit [here](https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/local-news-subscription-accelerator).**.
