America's Local Media Association has announced a second Google-funded North American Innovation Challenge

Chief executive Nancy Lane says Google will spend up to US$6 million through an open call for projects from the news ecosystem with a focus on "diversification, equity and inclusion in journalism", promoting the creation of sustainable models for news publishers that address diverse audiences and recognise that as an opportunity for driving engagement and revenue."

Read more here. A Google News Initiative-hosted town hall on March 18 at 9 am PST will provide an opportunity to ask questions. Tune in using this link.

Lane says she was honoured to serve as part of the jury for the first round, in which 34 projects were funded at a total cost of US$5.8 million.

"My advice is to focus on how you will accomplish the goals laid out in the challenge," she says. "Take the time to think it through and provide a detailed budget. Finally, make sure that your opening description of the project is clear and succinct."

Her LMA team is ready to help, including to brainstorm ideas that could help news organisations reach diverse audiences. "All of us are excited that GNI is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism for round two," she says.