• All Things Digital, Tuesday, May 12, 2009 10:15 AM

Google is holding talks with both The Washington Post and The New York Times about collaboration possibilities. Post executive Philip Bennett says, "We're talking to Google about improved ways of creating and presenting news online." A Google rep says of the Post discussions, "This was an informal meeting, and we're always talking with publishers to find creative ways to help them make money from online content."

It's no surprise to hear such talks are happening, writes columnist Peter Kafka. "Contrary to what you may have heard, every sentient Web publisher realizes that Google directs a fire hose of traffic to their content. Indeed, a lot of the recent gripes from publishers are really just pleas for Google to please direct more traffic to their sites.

Perhaps Google has been talking to the papers about a new, automated filter that will fetch news for users without asking them what they want. The company has indicated to bloggers that in about six months it will roll out a system that will bring high-quality news content to users without them actively looking for it.

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