An earlier "Local News Subscriptions Accelerator" programme from Facebook was designed to test strategies focused on growing digital subscription acquisitions for local publishers. "We're encouraged by the early successes of this programme, and proud of the tangible business results that publishers have accomplished so far," Brown noted. Facebook said it is also working with publishers across the US and Europe to test support for subscriptions in "Instant Articles". "Moving forward, we'll also be exploring ways to support emerging models like membership directly on Facebook," said Brown. On Thursday, Facebook announced its first partnership in India with Chennai-based Asian School of Journalism (ACJ). Part of the Facebook Journalism Project, the partnership will establish a scholarship programme at ACJ and support five students in four career specialisations — print, new media, radio and television.