How Axel Springer expanded from its anti-Nazi beginnings into a global transatlantic powerhouse

Axel Springer’s Ambitions: A New Era for The Telegraph

Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, expresses confidence in The Telegraph’s future growth. (Credit: Target Presse Agentur Gmbh)

Foundations Built on Freedom

When Axel Springer, the German media magnate, laid the cornerstone for his company’s Berlin headquarters in 1959, he also cemented his ideals into the very ground. A document signed by then-mayor Willy Brandt accompanied the event, declaring a commitment to “the free word in a free and reunified Germany with Berlin as its capital.”

Just two years later, the Berlin Wall rose a mere 12 meters from Springer’s new offices. The building stood as a powerful symbol of the publisher’s dedication to liberty—values that had guided the company since its founding amid the ruins of postwar Hamburg.

Springer’s British Move

Now, eight decades after its inception, Axel Springer has made a bold entrance into the UK market by acquiring The Telegraph for £575 million. This decisive action disrupted a previously planned takeover by Lord Rothermere, owner of the Daily Mail, and marked the arrival of a major new force on Fleet Street. For Mathias Döpfner, who has pursued The Telegraph for over twenty years, the acquisition is the realization of a long-held ambition.

Origins and Growth

Founded in 1946, Axel Springer’s mission was to restore free expression in Germany after years of Nazi censorship. At just 33, Springer established the company in Hamburg with his father, having received authorization from the British occupying authorities.

Axel Springer was originally set up in Hamburg - Alamy Stock Photo

The publisher’s first venture was the magazine Nordwestdeutsche Hefte, soon followed by the radio guide Hör zu! (“Listen!”). By 1948, Springer had entered the daily newspaper market with the Hamburger Abendblatt.

During the 1950s, the company became a dominant tabloid publisher, acquiring Bild—Germany’s top-selling daily—and Die Welt. Springer believed newspapers should take clear editorial stances, arguing that neutrality in the press had contributed to the rise of the Nazis. He insisted his publications openly support the West and even required that the East German state be referred to in quotation marks, as he did not consider it “German, democratic, or a republic.”

Springer’s Western alignment was further underscored by CIA investment in Bild during the 1950s, with declassified documents describing Springer as a “liberal” who would counter Nazi influence and align with American interests.

In 1969, Springer codified his values into a corporate constitution, emphasizing support for democracy, free markets, and opposition to extremism and discrimination.

Principles and Legacy

The company’s constitution also advocated for a strong transatlantic partnership and, until recently, a united Europe. It contains a clause supporting Israel’s right to exist and denouncing anti-Semitism, with all German employees required to pledge their support for these values.

Springer passed away in 1985 at age 73, just before the company went public.

In the 1950s, Axel Springer established his company as a major tabloid force - Elke Bruhn-Hoffman/AP

Döpfner’s Rise and Expansion

It was around this period that Mathias Döpfner began his ascent. Starting as a music critic in 1982, he became editor of Die Welt in 1998 and was appointed CEO of Axel Springer four years later. After the company was delisted in 2020, Döpfner increased his stake, acquiring 4% of shares and receiving an additional 15% from Friede Springer, Axel’s widow, making him a billionaire.

Under Döpfner’s leadership, the company has aggressively expanded internationally, acquiring Business Insider, Politico, Morning Brew, and eMarketer. Although a potential deal for Axios did not materialize, Döpfner has long sought a foothold in the British press, previously attempting to purchase The Telegraph in 2004 and the Financial Times in 2015.

Springer has shown flexibility in applying its constitution abroad. After acquiring Politico in 2021, the company stated that American staff would not be required to sign the pledge, but made clear that those who disagreed with its principles should not work for Axel Springer.

Championing Press Freedom and Quality Journalism

Throughout its history, Springer has been a staunch advocate for press freedom, a stance that has been especially evident during the protracted saga surrounding The Telegraph’s ownership. In 2023, as Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI attempted to acquire The Telegraph, Döpfner warned of the risks posed by autocratic influence in the media. Despite these concerns, he traveled to the UAE to meet with key figures behind the bid.

Döpfner has stated that Axel Springer avoids operating in countries lacking rule of law and freedom of expression, with particular caution towards China.

RedBird IMI’s attempt to take over The Telegraph was ultimately blocked by UK laws preventing foreign state control of newspapers. A subsequent £500 million deal with Lord Rothermere’s DMGT was also abandoned, paving the way for Springer’s acquisition. RedBird IMI has since relinquished its security over The Telegraph, clearing the path for new ownership.

Media analyst Claire Enders has praised the outcome, describing Axel Springer as deeply committed to high-quality journalism. Döpfner himself has said that Springer was inspired by Fleet Street’s traditions, calling The Telegraph his “North Star.”

Last year, Springer restructured in a €13.5 billion deal, with private equity firm KKR taking a majority stake in its classifieds business. The media operations were spun off into a family-owned entity, with Döpfner and Friede Springer jointly holding 95% of the shares.

In a December interview, Döpfner revealed he had explored further acquisitions in the US but had not found the right opportunity.

‘Embrace AI or Be Left Behind’

Serving on the boards of Netflix and Warner Music, Döpfner has been vocal about his commitment to a digital-first strategy and the integration of artificial intelligence in journalism. He has told staff that adopting AI is now essential for survival in the industry.

An entertainment insider described Döpfner as someone who “takes no prisoners.”

On Friday, Döpfner outlined ambitious plans for The Telegraph, including significant investment, expansion into the US, and a technological overhaul powered by AI.

Mathias Döpfner has promised an investment programme for The Telegraph which includes US expansion and a technological transformation underpinned by AI - Geoff Pugh

Challenges and Controversies

As Springer’s influence has grown, the conduct of some senior journalists has come under scrutiny. In 2021, Bild editor Julian Reichelt was dismissed following allegations of misconduct, and in January, Welt’s editor-in-chief Jan Philipp Burgard left amid an investigation into his behavior at a company event.

Döpfner himself has faced criticism after leaked messages revealed controversial remarks about climate change, Muslims, and East Germans. He was also involved in a dispute after Welt am Sonntag published an opinion piece by Elon Musk supporting the far-right AfD party, though Springer denied Döpfner’s involvement in the article.

A New Chapter for The Telegraph

Springer’s acquisition is set to end years of uncertainty for The Telegraph, which has been in a state of limbo. While regulatory scrutiny may still lie ahead, the German publisher maintains that its bid fully complies with laws restricting foreign state influence.

Döpfner has stated his goal is to transform The Telegraph into the “most widely read and intellectually stimulating centre-right publication in the English-speaking world.” He added, “Owning this pillar of British journalism is both an honor and a responsibility.”