Facebook Launches Dedicated News Tab to Highlight Quality Journalism
Facebook introduces a new News feature that prioritizes original reporting from trusted publishers. The tab aims to rebuild relationships with the news industry by paying outlets for their content.
Facebook rolls out a dedicated News tab to help users find quality journalism easily. The feature highlights original reporting from trusted publishers rather than just viral content. Facebook pays select news organizations to license their articles for this new section.
The social media giant designs this tool to rebuild its rocky relationship with the news industry. In recent years, Facebook faces heavy criticism for spreading misinformation and hurting local news outlets. By funding and prioritizing professional reporting, Facebook attempts to position itself as a friend to journalists rather than an enemy.
Currently, the News tab is only available to a small percentage of users in the United States. Facebook plans to expand the feature to more people over time as it refines the experience. This move represents a major shift for a platform that previously insists it is not a media company.