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September 13, 2019

Facebook expands new tool aiming to shrink ‘news deserts'

  • The service lets users opt into local news and information from local organizations. In areas with scant local news, Facebook will add relevant articles from surrounding areas.
  • By BARBARA ORTUTAY
    AP Technology Writer

    SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook is trying to coax “news deserts” into bloom with the second major expansion of a tool that exposes people to more local news and information. But the social network confesses that it still has a lot to learn.

    The social media giant said Thursday it is expanding its “Today In” service to 6,000 cities and towns across the U.S., up from 400 in its previous iteration . Launched in early 2018, the service lets Facebook users opt into local news and information from local organizations. Such news can include missing-person alerts, local election results, road closures and crime reports.


     
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