Facebook steps into a journalism investment for the first time. Today, it announces the launch of Facebook News in the UK in January 2021. Facebook News was launched on 25 October 2019. It’s a dedicated tab to discover headlines and stories of topics you’re interested in. With original reporting, from over 200 news outlets and thousands of local publishers, the newsfeed algorithm ranks original news content. As such, Facebook users can get the most accurate information and the best stories about the latest topics talked about.
Starting in January 2021, Facebook will pay UK news publishers for original news content that is not yet uploaded to the platform. This aims to bring more advertising opportunities on Facebook. It also helps to reach new audiences. Facebook News in the UK will offer a mix of lifestyle content, relevant news, and trends. It will show the top headlines and stories of the day based on the reader’s interest. The tab houses authoritative and original reports.
First Batch of UK Publishers
The first batch of the UK’s most loved news brands includes:
- Archant
- Conde Nast
- ESI Media
- Guardian Media Group
- Hearst
- Iliffe
- JPI Media
- Midland News Association
- Reach
- STV
- The Economist
Facebook News will also include lifestyle content from the following brands:
- Red
- Harpers
- Cosmopolitan
- Wired
- GQ
- Glamour
- Vogue and
- Tatler
Facebook announces the launch of Facebook News in the UK in January 2021 as of 30 November 2020.
Implications for Marketers:
The launch of Facebook News in the UK in January 2021 is a clear move to establish connections and weed out misinformation in the platform. For marketers, this can be a new way to boost engagement and monetize content. Facebook News has been the source of traffic for 95% of its news audiences. If such a concept clicks in the UK and rolled out globally, brands can share breakthroughs through product launch and hit two birds in one stone. They can partner with advertisers to boost discovery and monetize the announcement.
Reference: https://about.fb.com/news/2020/11/launching-facebook-news-in-the-uk/
