“Artificial intelligence will revolutionize journalism and the media industry, by being able to support – or replace – journalism,” the group’s head, Mathias Döpfner, said in a letter to employees obtained by AFP.
Cost savings
This production work is “increasingly (…) automated” due to the growing importance of artificial intelligence, says Mathias Döpfner, also quoted in a press release. There will be, therefore, “a significant reduction in jobs in the areas of production, layout, correction and administration”, according to this letter, which does not mention a specific number of casualties.
The goal of the Berlin-based group is “to improve profits by around 100 million euros over the next three years by increasing sales and saving costs.” Axel Springer currently employs around 18,000 people worldwide, including 3,400 journalists.
The strategy affirmed lately is that of “everything digital”, according to Mathias Döpfner. In 2022, 85% of sales and more than 95% of profits came from digital activities, according to the group.
However, print content continues to be “profitable and essential for readers and advertisers”, so “the complete transition to digital will take a few more years”, acknowledges the head of the group.
Source: BFM TV
