Shifting Gears: German Newspaper 'taz' Goes Digital-Only

The German newspaper 'taz' has become the first national daily in Germany to discontinue its print edition, transitioning entirely to a digital format. This move, driven by declining print subscriptions and rising costs, is being closely watched by other publishers facing similar challenges.

Key Points

• 'taz' ceased its daily print publication on October 17, 2025, after years of declining print subscriptions.
• The newspaper offered extensive support to its print subscribers to encourage them to switch to digital subscriptions, resulting in lower-than-expected cancellation rates (12%).
• The decision was driven by economic factors, including falling print circulation and increasing printing and distribution expenses.
• The transition involved internal discussions and efforts to ensure that all employees would retain their positions.
• 'taz' will continue to publish a weekly print edition ("wochentaz") with in-depth background articles.
• Industry experts view 'taz's' move as a potential model for other newspapers struggling with the challenges of print media in the digital age.

Background

'taz' (die tageszeitung) has historically been known for its unconventional approach within the German media landscape. As the first left-leaning daily newspaper in Germany, it has always fostered open discussions and challenged established norms. The decision to transition to a digital-only format was not taken lightly. In 2019, 'taz' began engaging its readership regarding a potential shift to digital. This initial inquiry revealed that approximately one-third of print subscribers were hesitant and threatened to cancel their subscriptions. The newspaper then initiated a comprehensive strategy to facilitate the transition to digital, which included personalized assistance, service hotlines, and educational initiatives.

Numbers & Facts

• 2019: 'taz' initially surveys its print subscribers about their willingness to switch to digital.
• 12%: Estimated cancellation rate of print subscriptions due to the digital transition.
• 14,000: The remaining number of 'taz' print subscribers at the time of the transition.
• -9%: Decline in print circulation across the German newspaper industry compared to the previous year.
• Christian Eggert: Head of the German Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV).
• Klaus Meier: Journalism professor at the Catholic University of Eichstätt.

Assessment

The decision of 'taz' to go digital-only highlights the ongoing crisis in the traditional newspaper business. Declining print circulations, coupled with rising printing and distribution costs, are forcing publishers to explore alternative business models. The 'taz' experiment is being closely monitored by other publishers and industry associations to determine whether it can serve as a viable model for other newspapers. Journalism professor Klaus Meier emphasizes the importance of supporting local journalism to avoid information gaps and increasing polarization, as has been observed in some regions of the United States. He stresses the responsibility of German publishers to ensure affordable access to information for all segments of society.

Outlook

The future of the newspaper industry is likely to involve a mix of digital offerings and specialized print products. The "wochentaz" model, combining a comprehensive digital presence with a weekly print edition, could be a successful approach for maintaining reader engagement. The German Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV) believes that e-papers represent a promising "bridge product" in the transition to digital. However, the newspaper industry must also address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, which is expected to further transform the information landscape.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/gesellschaft/zeitung-digital-taz-100.html