A leading figure in the German media industry is urging policymakers to actively support the sector, highlighting the critical role of a free press for democratic stability. Philipp Welte, a member of the Burda executive board, voiced his concerns in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, emphasizing the need for political engagement with the future of reliable journalism.
Welte criticized what he perceived as inaction from the government, stating that politicians appear more focused on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram than engaging in substantive discussions about the challenges facing the media landscape. He cautioned that the free press is instrumental in maintaining democratic stability and its decline poses a serious risk.
Specifically, Welte is calling for the German government to eliminate value-added tax (VAT) on press products. He estimates this would result in approximately 700 million euros less in state revenue, a relatively modest figure compared to other governmental initiatives. Such a reduction, he argues, would provide the industry with the financial breathing room necessary to sustain its existing commitment to journalistic quality and continued investment in digitalization.
Welte underscored a paradox: while the media sector faces increasing dominance by powerful and unpredictable corporate monopolies, the role of established publishers in providing trustworthy and independent journalism has become ever more crucial. He stressed the importance of bolstering journalism as a counterweight to the spread of misinformation and extremist narratives online, warning that failure to do so could leave the country vulnerable to radical forces.
Regarding the future of Burda itself, Welte reported that the company’s recent reorganization has clarified its structure. While he ruled out, for now, the prospect of financial investors taking a stake in Burda, he acknowledged that such a scenario could be considered as a growth driver for specific business units within the broader group.
