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Wolfgang Krach to Leave Süddeutsche Zeitung at Year’s End

Media reports tie the exit to a dispute over deep newsroom cuts sought by the owner.

Overview

  • The publisher said Krach offered to resign over differing views with shareholders, and both sides described the separation as amicable at the turn of the year.
  • Judith Wittwer will serve as sole editor-in-chief from early 2026 with Ulrich Schäfer continuing as deputy, while no second co-editor has been named.
  • Multiple outlets report the rupture followed resistance to deep editorial budget cuts and high return expectations at owner SWMH.
  • Earlier cost-saving steps already reduced county print coverage, closed locations, trimmed office space and limited freelance commissions, according to prior announcements.
  • Any future addition to the top editor team would require approval by the SZ “Impressionisten” committee, a process seen as a hurdle for a nominee focused on savings.