Google Cuts Costs by Scrapping Enterprise Financial Times Subscription
In a move that reflects its broader cost-reduction efforts, Google has ended its enterprise subscription to the Financial Times, according to sources. This decision is part of a larger effort to slash costs across the company, even as it reports strong financial performance.
The cuts are aimed at reducing expenses and aligning with Alphabet's mandate to push for further cost reductions, despite reporting $96.4 billion in revenue in Q2 2025. Google has been implementing various cost-saving measures since January, including eliminating 35 managers who oversee teams of three people or fewer and offering voluntary exit programs across multiple divisions.
"Google is taking a hard look at its expenses and making tough decisions to ensure the company remains competitive," said a source close to the matter. "While these cuts may save thousands, they also reflect the company's willingness to adapt to changing market conditions."
The decision to cancel the Financial Times subscription comes as Google faces increasingly strained relationships with news publishers. Data from Digital Content Next shows that median referral traffic from Google Search to publishers fell 10% between May and June of this year, with non-news brands experiencing a 14% drop.
Major outlets such as CNN, Business Insider, and HuffPost have reportedly seen even sharper declines in traffic, with drops of 30%, 40%, and 50% respectively. These numbers highlight the challenges faced by news publishers in maintaining their online presence amidst Google's dominance in search.
Google's cost-cutting efforts are not limited to its subscription services. The company has been implementing various measures to reduce expenses across different departments, including eliminating unnecessary positions and streamlining operations.
The decision to cancel the Financial Times subscription may have a ripple effect on other enterprise media subscriptions, as sources suggest that Google is reviewing its relationships with multiple publishers. This move could have significant implications for news organizations, which rely heavily on online traffic and advertising revenue.
As Google continues to navigate the complex landscape of digital publishing, it remains to be seen how these cost-cutting measures will impact its relationships with news providers. One thing is certain: in a rapidly changing market, companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive.
Background:
Google's decision to cancel its enterprise Financial Times subscription reflects the company's broader efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Alphabet's Q2 2025 results show that the company continues to report strong financial performance, but with increasing pressure to maintain profitability in a rapidly changing market.
Additional Perspectives:
"This move highlights the challenges faced by news publishers in maintaining their online presence amidst Google's dominance," said a spokesperson for Digital Content Next.
"Google's decision to cancel its Financial Times subscription is a symptom of a larger issue: the company's willingness to prioritize profits over partnerships with news organizations," added a source close to the matter.
Current Status and Next Developments:
As Google continues to review its relationships with multiple publishers, it remains unclear how these cost-cutting measures will impact its relationships with news providers. The decision to cancel the Financial Times subscription may have significant implications for news organizations, which rely heavily on online traffic and advertising revenue.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
