Google has expanded its news AI pilot program, which now includes over 400 media organizations worldwide. The initiative, launched in December 2025, allows Google to test experimental AI features using licensed content from participating publishers.
The latest expansion marks the first large-scale integration of US local news outlets into the program. New partners include The Post and Courier, Oil City News, Shaw Media, and The Texas Tribune. They join international outlets such as The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, and The Financial Times.
The program focuses on two primary experimental features. 'Story Preview' generates AI-driven summaries of recent news articles for display on Google News pages. 'Audio Briefing' creates automated AI podcasts that synthesize daily headlines, allowing users to select topics like international news or sports.
Google clarified that the pilot program does not utilize a value-based payment model, distinguishing it from other licensing agreements linked to AI Overviews or Gemini. The company provides attribution for AI-generated content and includes disclaimers regarding potential inaccuracies.
According to spokesperson Brianna Puccini Duff, the project aims to help newsrooms of all sizes adapt to changing information consumption habits. By scaling the number of partners, Google intends to further refine its AI-driven news tools through broader data integration.
