You don't need a statement from Google, these numbers are made public in every quarter's filing:

E.g. from investor.google.com/releases/2 ... " On a worldwide basis, Google employed 4,989 full time employees as of September 30, 2005, up from 4,183 as of June 30, 2005."

OK, good to know.

Also, you said "news" workers, not "new" workers. Implying some kind of news organization.

Corrected, thanks.