The Minnesota Star Tribune has unveiled a new statewide news partnership, funded by a grant from the Google News Initiative. This partnership aims to support local journalism across Minnesota, creating opportunities for content sharing and future subscription bundling among participating news organizations, ultimately generating additional revenue for local publishers.

Launching first in southern Minnesota, this initiative partners with the Albert Lea Tribune, Austin Daily Herald, Jackson County Pilot, and Lakefield Standard. Readers of the Minnesota Star Tribune will soon see content from these initial partners on startribune.com, while audiences of the local papers will gain access to select Star Tribune content. Expansion plans include adding more partners statewide and establishing joint subscription options and training for local journalists.

Steve Grove, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune, expressed the initiative’s goal to strengthen local publishers and bolster coverage across Minnesota: “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to Greater Minnesota and to enhancing comprehensive statewide coverage.”

Google News Initiative is backing the project to reinforce local news. “We are excited to collaborate with the Star Tribune, known for its dedication to community journalism and expanding regional coverage,” said Chrissy Towle, Google’s director of Associations & Local News Partnerships.

This year, the Star Tribune has ramped up its focus on Greater Minnesota, with new reporters and a columnist dedicated to regional news. They’ve also conducted community forums in cities including Mankato, Duluth, and Rochester. Crystal Miller, president and publisher of the Austin Daily Herald and Albert Lea Tribune, praised the partnership for widening the reach of local stories and recognizing the efforts of local journalists.

In addition to Google News Initiative’s funding, Distributed Media Lab is providing the technology platform to facilitate content sharing.

About the Minnesota Star Tribune

The Minnesota Star Tribune has a legacy of 157 years, with seven Pulitzer Prizes and a reputation for journalistic excellence across the Midwest. It continues to innovate and serve Minnesotans with impactful reporting.

About Distributed Media Lab

Distributed Media Lab is a technology platform for content distribution, empowering media businesses with tools for advertising and revenue generation natively integrated with the web