Google Cuts Ties with Financial Times Amid Broader Cost-Cutting Efforts

Google's Cost-Cutting Measures Take Aim at Enterprise Media Subscriptions In a move that reflects its broader efforts to reduce costs, Google has ended its enterprise subscription to the Financial Times, according to sources. This decision is part of a larger effort by the search giant to slash expenses, even as it reports strong financial performance. The cuts are not limited to just one publication; multiple enterprise media subscriptions are reportedly on the chopping block, said sources familiar with the matter. These moves come as Google continues to implement cost-reduction efforts across 2025, including eliminating 35 managers who oversee teams of three people or fewer and offering voluntary exit programs in various divisions since January. "We're always looking for ways to optimize our costs," a Google spokesperson said in an email statement. "We're not commenting on specific subscriptions or publications." The decision to end the Financial Times subscription may save Google mere thousands, but it also reflects a broader trend of strained relationships between tech giants and news publishers. According to data from Digital Content Next, median referral traffic from Google Search to publishers fell 10% between May and June 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 (30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively). These numbers highlight the increasingly complex landscape of online media consumption and the challenges faced by news publishers in maintaining their relationships with tech giants like Google. The decision to cut costs comes despite Alphabet's strong Q2 2025 results, which saw revenue reach $96.4 billion. Finance chief Anat Ashkenazi signaled late last year that the company would continue to push cost cuts further, a mandate that appears unchanged. "This is not just about cutting costs; it's also about re-evaluating our priorities and investments," said an industry analyst who wished to remain anonymous. "Google needs to focus on areas where it can drive growth and innovation." As Google continues to navigate its relationships with news publishers and implement cost-reduction measures, the implications for the tech giant's future are far-reaching. The company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions will be crucial in determining its success. In the short term, the decision to end the Financial Times subscription may have a limited impact on Google's bottom line. However, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by news publishers and the need for tech giants like Google to re-evaluate their relationships with media outlets. As the online media landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Google's cost-cutting measures are just the beginning of a larger conversation about the future of tech and media. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*