Did you know that search engines, and the opaque algorithms that underpin their decisions, hold a lot of sway over who gets to see WyoFile’s reporting? It’s true, and worse yet, the situation is being exacerbated by the rapid rollout of AI-driven search results. It’s a problem.

Luckily, there’s a new way that you can regain control over where you get your news. You can tell Google which news outlets you want to see more often. A new feature called Preferred Sources lets you highlight trusted outlets like WyoFile, so they show up first in Top Stories and in a dedicated “From your sources” section.

If you’re signed into Google, adding WyoFile only takes a moment and it ensures our reporting on Wyoming’s people, places and politics surfaces quickly when you go looking for news.

To add WyoFile as a preferred source, click this link. In the pop-up window, select WyoFile. This means that you’ll see our coverage more often, including when there’s breaking news. It’s a quick way to keep us at the top of your search results.

A dialog box titled "Choose your preferred sources" shows a search input with "WyoFile" typed. Below, "WyoFile" with a website link appears, checked.
Screenshot. (Anna Rader/WyoFile)

If the “Top Stories” box is visible, a star will appear for news-related queries. This feature is being gradually implemented and may not be available for all users or searches.

A screenshot of a news section with "Top stories" headlines from sources like The Independent, The New York Times, and BBC. Topics include a Minneapolis school shooting, Trump canceling Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection, and a reflection on Hurricane Katrina 20 years later. The interface displays headlines and small accompanying images.
Screenshot. (Anna Rader/WyoFile)

For these features to work, you’ll have to be signed into your Google account. When you’re signed in, your preferences will be saved and travel with you across devices. You can select multiple outlets and add other trusted sources at any time. You can also uncheck or edit your list later.

How does this help WyoFile?

By making WyoFile your preferred source, you ensure that dependable, local journalism is readily accessible in your daily searches. This is especially beneficial with Google changing how news comes to you, including its introduction of AI Overviews, which impacts independent news outlets like us.

It will also help you find WyoFile stories during breaking news and rapidly developing statewide events. It’s a simple action to quickly find updates and keep your news feed focused on sources you trust.

If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our engagement editor at: annarader@wyofile.com.

Join the Conversation

1 Comment

WyoFile's goal is to provide readers with information and ideas that foster constructive conversations about the issues and opportunities our communities face. One small piece of how we do that is by offering a space below each story for readers to share perspectives, experiences and insights. For this to work, we need your help.

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Other important things to know: 

  • Appearing in WyoFile’s comments section is a privilege, not a right or entitlement. 
  • We’re a small team and our first priority is reporting. Depending on what’s going on, comments may be moderated 24 to 48 hours from when they’re submitted — or even later. If you comment in the evening or on the weekend, please be patient. We’ll get to it when we’re back in the office.
  • We’re not interested in managing squeaky wheels, and even if we wanted to, we don't have time to address every single commenter’s grievance. 
  • Try as we might, we will make mistakes. We’ll fail to catch aliases, mistakenly allow folks to exceed the comment limit and occasionally miss false statements. If that’s going to upset you, it’s probably best to just stick with our journalism and avoid the comments section.
  • We don’t mediate disputes between commenters. If you have concerns about another commenter, please don’t bring them to us.

The bottom line:

If you repeatedly push the boundaries, make unreasonable demands, get caught lying or generally cause trouble, we will stop approving your comments — maybe forever. Such moderation decisions are not negotiable or subject to explanation. If civil and constructive conversation is not your goal, then our comments section is not for you. 

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  1. This is the real problem. People getting news from only the sources they want to get it from rather than diversified sources. The echo chamber.

    Reply