Euronews using Google Fund for VR push

Pan-European news channel Euronews is to launch a virtual reality news reporting project with funding from the Google Digital News Initiative Innovation Fund.

Euronews said it will produce regular multilingual 360° interactive news videos with finance from the Google fund, making it the first international news provider to “fully incorporate” 360° interactive video news into its regular workflow.

The line-up of 360° video will include virtual reality versions of Euronews’ flagship No Comment format.

Euronews and recently-launched sister channel Africanews will produce regular multilingual 360° videos.

According to Euronews, the Google Digital News Initiative – a partnership between Google and European news publishers – chose Euronews 360 as one of the 128 European projects it supports in February. The initiative will provide funding for the project for three years.

Euronews said that its sales teams would include the Euronews 360 tool as part of their multi-platform campaign propositions to advertisers in order to secure the long-term financial viability of the project.

The 360-degree video process will kick off this summer with the launch of availability in the production of No Comment 360. Videos are available via smartphones, tablets and computers, and via virtual reality headsets for a more immersive experience.

“We are delighted to be implementing this new interactive video production method, giving our audience the power to view the story from their own perspectives. Through our collaboration with the DNI we will be able to take advantage of the latest technological innovations, which now make it possible – and relatively simple – to harness virtual reality in the service of news and in your home,” said Duncan Hooper, editor-in-chief, Euronews digital platforms.