Döpfner BDZV resigns as president: More work in the US – media – community

Mathias Döpfner will hand over his office as head of the Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV) to “new hands in order, preferably to new structures”. The 59-year-old was re-elected for a second term in the fall of 2020 – four years later. Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer SE, wrote in a personal letter to union members expressing his understanding of his decision, according to the union’s statement on Wednesday. He cited two main reasons for his resignation. On the one hand, Axel Sprinkler is at a critical juncture in its development and acquisition of Politico in the United States, “the largest acquisition in the history of our company, which requires more time and presence from me in the United States”. So he can no longer immerse himself in the association in the form and intensity that a leader needs.

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On the other hand, to better represent the interests of small and medium-sized, regional and local publishers, an individual or galaxy that does not represent a large, international and digital publication is needed. This has led to many misunderstandings in the past. “Example of Sub-Copyright Act: I firmly believe that this right primarily protects minors, with some claiming that it will primarily benefit adults.” This is an unnecessary distraction from what is really important. Because “the ability to succeed in digital journalism is the fate of all of us”. Therefore, the BDZV leader explained that other structures with greater representation of small and medium-sized publishers are now necessary. He now turns to the members to prepare a very clear and effective way forward to the General / Representative Assembly and the Annual Conference in September.

Has gone without controversy for a long time

The association has made many achievements in recent years. “We can be proud of that,” Daphne continued. Publicity is always stronger than specific interests – especially when they are placed in public. Topfner was very grateful for the support and encouragement he has received from most members over the past few months and weeks.

Not in the news, but may be part of the reason for Topfner’s departure: Matthias Topfner is no longer undeniable. At least since the ousting of Julian Result as “Built” boss and the leaked report by Topfner that all journalists except Result are working as “propaganda aides” to the government, there have been attempts by the Funky Media Group to replace Topfner with the BDZV chief. . In addition, Döpfner’s doctoral dissertation has recently been accused of theft. The test is being conducted at Frankfurt / Maine University.