For many Europeans, the reflex to "Google it" has become second nature, especially when seeking the latest updates on topics like EU wage disparities, the war in Ukraine, or geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Now, Google is rolling out a new personalisation option that lets users decide which news provider gets top billing in their search results.
This feature, available globally, allows you to designate a favourite news source—such as Euronews—so that its articles appear prominently when you search for current events. Other media outlets will still be displayed, but your chosen source will be highlighted first.
How It Works
To activate the setting, you need a Google account and must be signed in. Navigate to your Google Search settings, look for the "News" section, and select your preferred provider from the list. Once saved, Google will prioritise that source in relevant queries. The change applies across devices where you're logged in.
This move comes as Google faces increasing scrutiny over its role in shaping news consumption. The company has been under pressure from European regulators to ensure transparency and fairness in how it surfaces content. The personalisation feature is part of a broader effort to give users more control, though critics argue it could reinforce echo chambers if users only see one perspective.
For Euronews, which covers politics, business, culture, and more from a European standpoint, this is an opportunity to reach a wider audience. The network, headquartered in Lyon and Brussels, has correspondents across the continent, from Berlin to Bucharest, and offers multilingual coverage in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and other languages.
Setting Euronews as your favourite source ensures that its reporting on EU policy, such as the recent agenda outlined by Commissioner Mînzatu in Brussels, or on environmental issues like Portugal's early exhaustion of natural resources, appears front and centre. It also helps readers stay informed about developments in the Balkans, the UK, Switzerland, and Norway—regions often underrepresented in global news.
To make the change, simply visit Google's search settings, select "News preferences," and choose Euronews from the list. If you don't see it immediately, try searching for a current topic like "EU energy crisis" or "European Central Bank rates" to prompt the option. Google says the feature will roll out to all users in the coming weeks.
While the personalisation is convenient, it's worth noting that it doesn't block other sources. You'll still see articles from Reuters, the BBC, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, and others. The goal is to streamline your news feed, not to limit it.
For journalists and editors at European Pulse, this development underscores the importance of producing high-quality, original reporting that resonates with audiences. As algorithms increasingly shape what we read, having a direct line to readers through features like this can help independent outlets thrive.
In a media landscape dominated by tech giants, small steps toward user control are welcome. Whether you're following the latest on the Élysée's foreign policy or tracking the Bundestag's budget debates, setting your preferred news source is a simple way to tailor your information diet.
