Google adds more inline links across AI Search, tests publisher profiles in AI Mode
Google is increasing links across its AI Search experiences and testing clickable creator and publisher profiles in AI Mode.
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Publishers test AI search strategies as Google referrals fall 40%
Google referrals to publishers fell 40% in a year as some outlets experiment with ways to improve visibility in AI-generated answers.
Google tests AI payments to publishers, but payouts vary widely
Publishers in Google’s AI contribution pilot report uneven payments and say Search Console makes month-to-month tracking difficult.
Arc XP launches Compass to personalize news home pages
Compass adapts home pages for returning readers while letting editors pin, boost or bury stories.
Reach plans net cut of 160 editorial jobs, prioritizing engaged time over views
Reach plans to cut about 160 net editorial jobs while making engaged time a key measure of newsroom performance.
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Footballco credits AI assistant Goal-e for 1bn World Cup page views
Footballco says its AI assistant Goal-e helped Goal grow World Cup users 42% and lift affiliate revenue past $12.6m in early 2026.
Axios publisher says SEO is ‘not the answer anymore’ as AI search grows
Axios publisher Nicholas Johnston says publishers must measure where they appear in AI answers before negotiating any licensing deal.
The New York Times tests AI-generated summaries inside its own site search
The New York Times is testing AI-generated summaries in its own site search, built only from Times journalism, employees told Semafor.
Current top 10 US news sites lost 32% of traffic from 2024 peak
Across the current top 50, traffic was down 37% from July 2024, while generative AI accounted for just 0.4% of visits.
GB News cites automation as journalism job cuts continue in 2026
Press Gazette’s rolling tracker includes layoffs, proposed cuts and closures at GB News, BuzzFeed, the Associated Press and other outlets. The reasons behind them vary widely.