Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Google Turns News 'Bug' Into Payola Feature

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community
There has been a flurry of comments in the online news community as the popular Google News service has begun linking to press releases along with news articles. Some writers - such as this one from the Register - were harsh with their criticism. But of course press releases are part of the news environment, and offer the advantage of getting the story straight from the source (though the number of fluff words may vary). But for this to work, two things must be in place: the press release must be marked as such, and every press release, not just 'favoured partners,' must be given an equal chance. Google appears to have failed on both of these counts, an uncharacteristic slip for the widely respected search service.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Dec 22, 2024 1:03 p.m.

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