Overview
- The publisher said Krach offered to step down and that both sides agreed to a separation due to differing views with shareholders on cooperation and the paper’s development.
- Der Spiegel reported the split stemmed from a dispute over the editorial budget, with Krach unwilling to accept far-reaching cuts.
- Südwestdeutsche Medienholding’s cost-saving plan announced in June includes scaling back county coverage in print, closing sites and shrinking office space, and reducing freelance commissions.
- Judith Wittwer will lead as sole editor-in-chief from early 2026, and Ulrich Schäfer will continue as deputy editor-in-chief.
- The publisher praised Krach’s tenure, citing investigations such as the Panama Papers, and said he would remain connected to the SZ, while details of any future role were not specified.