Walkley Foundation appoints John Bergin as project manager for Google News Initiative program
John Bergin has been appointed by The Walkley Foundation to manage its Google News Initiative training program.
Bergin was formerly digital editor at SBS and director of digital news at the Australian News Channel.
Launched in March last year, the Google News Initiative includes the local training program that aims to provide free training to up 4,000 journalists and students in Australia and New Zealand.
Last October, Google appointed Nic Hopkins as Australia and New Zealand News Lab lead which includes overseeing local News Initiative projects.
Hopkins said of Bergin’s appointment: “Google has been a supporter and partner of the Walkley Foundation for years – we know that they have a strong track record in delivering training and innovation in journalism and couldn’t think of a better organisation to work with in launching this training network in Australia and New Zealand.”
Walkleys chief executive Louisa Graham added the program supports the Walkleys’ mission to support a sustainable future for journalists: “We can’t wait to connect Australian and New Zealand newsrooms, journalists and students with this free training to boost their skills for digital reporting and verification.”
Bergin said: “I’m delighted to join the Walkley Foundation and work on a project that will teach journalists a wide range of digital skills so they may continue to tell great stories in new and exciting ways.
“I’ll be reaching out to all the newsrooms in Australia and New Zealand, as well as universities. We’re conscious too that many journalists are working outside newsrooms so we’ll have offerings for freelance, regional and remote attendees as well.”
