Wiener Zeitung, one of the oldest newspapers in the world will soon move to a primarily online format. Read to know more.
Wiener Zeitung, now primarily online
First known as Wiennerisches Diarium, the Austrian newspaper was founded in 1703. It was later renamed Wiener Zeitung in 1780. Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria 1857 nationalized the formerly bi-weekly paper. On Thursday, the nation’s parliament revealed it will primarily move online. The move marks the final step in the long dispute between the newspaper and the Austrian government over the future of the paper. “It is adopted with a majority,” stated Norbert Hofer. Hofer is the third president of the parliament.
The new law to move the publication primarily online will come into place from July 1. However, it will maintain at least 10 printed versions every year depending on the availability of funds. According to the World Association of News Publishers, Wiener Zeitung was ranked as one of the oldest newspapers to remain in circulation in 2004. Now its role as the official gazette will move to a separate state-owned platform. The government added that the move is in line with the European Union‘s directive for centralizing and publishing official news online.
Wiener Zeitung has been owned by the Austrian government since 1857
Wiener Zeitung has been owned by the Austrian government since 1857 and has been serving as the nation’s official gazette. It features official notices and advertises openings in government departments. This became the newspaper’s main source of revenue, allowing it to continue its journalistic duty of reporting the news. The 320-year-old newspaper is also going to establish a media hub, a training center for journalists, and a content agency. However, as per its trade union, over 200 of its employees may lose their jobs due to the online shift.
