Telegraph and Politico owner says journalists must support Israel or resign
Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner told staff at Politico and the Telegraph that supporting Israel is a core company value and that journalists who disagree should consider leaving. The remarks followed internal criticism from journalists who accused Dopfner of pushing a political agenda that could compromise editorial independence. The controversy has raised concerns about the influence of ownership on news coverage, especially regarding Israel and the war in Gaza.
- ▪Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner stated that backing Israel is a fundamental value for employees, framing it as part of the company's 'essentials'.
- ▪Politico journalists raised concerns that Dopfner's opinion pieces risk undermining the outlet's reputation for impartiality.
- ▪Dopfner used the phrase 'Zionism uber alles' in a leaked email, drawing criticism due to the term's historical association with Nazi Germany.
- ▪Axel Springer recently acquired the Daily Telegraph, expanding its media influence in Europe.
- ▪Dopfner defended his claims about Iran pursuing nuclear weapons, stating they are 'so proven' they require no further evidence.
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The owner of the Telegraph and Politico has said the outlets' journalists must back Israel or resign, prompting accusations that the newsroom’s independence is under threat. Tensions inside Politico were laid bare this week after Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner told staff that backing Israel forms a core value of working at the outlet. Axel Springer acquired the political news site in 2021. The remarks came during a tense internal meeting on Monday, convened after Politico journalists sent a letter to incoming editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger accusing the media mogul Dopfner of using the publication “to promote his political agenda”. Staff warned that his recent opinion pieces “risk undermining” the outlet’s “reputation as an impartial news source”, the Jewish Insider reported.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Middle East Eye.
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