Google Search to let users personalise 'Top Stories' with preferred news sources

Google has announced the rollout of a new feature allowing users to select their preferred news sources in the "Top Stories" section of Google Search.

The update, which is set to launch in the coming weeks, will enable users to choose outlets they trust, tailoring their news feed to better reflect their interests and values.

The tech giant says the move is part of its broader effort to give users greater control over the content they consume, while still maintaining diversity and balance in search results.

Once the feature becomes available, users will see a new option in Google Search settings to mark certain news publishers as “Preferred.”

These selected sources will then be prioritised in the Top Stories carousel- the prominent section that appears when users search for breaking news or trending topics.

“Whether you prefer updates from the BBC, Al Jazeera, Eastleigh Voice, or your local community blog, you’ll now be able to guide Google to show you more from the sources you care about most,” said Danielle Romain, Google’s Vice President of Trust.

Preferred sources will appear more frequently and more prominently, although Google has confirmed the algorithm will continue to balance personalisation with relevance and quality. Users will still be presented with a range of perspectives, particularly for significant and complex news events.

“We understand that trust in media is deeply personal,” Romain said. “By giving people the ability to choose their trusted voices, we hope to make Search more transparent and empowering.”

The personalisation tool will initially be available in English in the United States, Canada, Kenya, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and Australia. A global rollout is expected later in the year, along with support for more languages.

Users will be able to; browse a curated list of publishers, search for specific outlets, add or remove preferred sources at any time and view and manage preferences under a new “News Preferences” section in Google Search settings.