California and Google commit $40M to expand local journalism and civic media statewide

California has announced a $20 million grant commitment through the California Civic Media Program, with matching funding from Google, creating a $40 million public-private investment to strengthen local journalism statewide. The program will provide eligible news organizations with one-time grants of up to $250,000 to support original reporting, sustain local newsrooms and expand access to trusted information, particularly in underserved communities. Administered through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and independently managed by the James B. McClatchy Foundation, the initiative aims to reinforce civic engagement and California’s journalism ecosystem.