Google News Showcase Expands to Croatia with Local Media Partners

ZAGREB, Croatia — Google has launched its News Showcase program in Croatia, partnering with local media outlets including 24sata and Večernji list. The initiative, which began rolling out on Google News and Discover platforms, aims to enhance reader engagement and support the country’s news ecosystem.

News Showcase, a licensing program that allows publishers to curate content, will enable Croatian media to create panels that direct readers to full articles on their websites. This feature provides publishers with greater control over branding and presentation while fostering deeper connections with audiences.

“We’re committed to supporting a healthy, independent, and diverse news ecosystem,” said Marcin Hajek, Senior News Partner Manager at Google. “This launch in Croatia is part of our ongoing efforts to help publishers grow reader revenue and combat misinformation.”

Globally, Google has signed agreements with over 2,800 publications for News Showcase. The program is now active in 31 countries, including 10 in the Baltics and Central and Eastern Europe. In Croatia, the initiative builds on Google’s previous collaborations with local journalism associations.

The panels, available on both Android and iOS devices, offer various formats for publishers to showcase their content. This expansion reflects Google’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with news organizations worldwide while addressing challenges in the digital media landscape.