As part of a €100 million savings program, Axel Springer, a German media group, plans to lay off hundreds of Bild newspaper employees and replace them with artificial intelligence. This provoked sharp condemnation from the German journalists’ union.
Plans for digital transformation
During the reorganization, the number of Bild regional publications will be reduced from 18 to 12, and starting January 1, 2024, all publications of the media group will work in digital only and digital first, then print formats. Going digital is a strategic move to increase revenue.
Criticism and controversy
The German Union of Journalists sharply condemned the plans of the Axel Springer concern, calling them anti-social and unreasonable from an economic point of view, notes NIXSolutions. Critics warn of a shrinking audience for the group of publications and negative consequences for the journalism industry.