The SPD’s party magazine “Vorwärts” will no longer appear in a regular printed edition, the “Tagesspiegel” reports, citing sources close to the party. The publication’s publisher, the editorial team, and the SPD leadership have agreed to launch “a completely new product”. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf, who has traditionally also served as publisher, and the magazine’s chief editor Karin Nink are at the helm of this transition.
In an email to subscribers on Wednesday, Nink explained that in order to keep “Vorwärts” a powerful voice for German social democracy, the magazine must evolve so it can thrive in the digital age and strengthen the SPD. She titled the message “The (for now) last “Vorwärts” issue” and noted that on its 150th birthday the magazine, together with its editor and treasurer, began a fundamental redesign. “By the autumn birthday celebration we’ll continue this journey toward a new, digital “Vorwärts”-so you can look forward to it” she wrote.
Until the transition is complete, “Vorwärts” will continue to keep its readers informed through the usual channels: the website vorwärts.de, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, the SPDings podcast, and a weekly newsletter. Most of its subscribers are SPD members. According to Nink, the magazine’s readiness to change has allowed it to survive longer than any other national newspaper in the country, and she invites readers to see how this was achieved in the forthcoming e‑paper.
Historically, “Vorwärts” produced four printed issues per year and six electronic editions. The new concept is slated to be unveiled at the “Vorwärts” summer festival in September, according to party insiders. Over the years, digital disruption, economic stagnation, rising printing costs, poor election performance, and shrinking membership numbers have troubled the party’s weekly paper. Although discussions to overhaul the format have been ongoing for some time, the SPD leadership was reluctant to take action until recently. The current plan ensures that the publisher and editorial staff of “Vorwärts” remain in place as the magazine pivots to its next phase.
