Axel Springer vs Bonnier

Welt to launch Instagram-native livestream for Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern elections

German publisher Axel Springer's Welt brand is launching Instagram-native live broadcasts for the state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Hosted by Marlene Barduhn, the format uses Instagram's live infrastructure, with Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom, including the newsroom CvD, domestic politics desk, and TV studio analysis wall. Two editions are scheduled: one at 6 PM for initial projections and another at 8 PM with current counting status and political analysis. Reporters from Berlin (CDU headquarters) and Schwerin (SPD election party) will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, and data analyst Marian Grunden will provide real-time analysis. The community is engaged through live questions and a dedicated Q&A block with political editor Maximilian Heimerzheim. Moritz Seyffarth emphasized that this proves journalistic competence can be translated into Instagram's mechanics, ensuring the content is native to the platform, not a repurposing of TV content.

• Welt plans two Instagram-native live election broadcasts on Sunday at 6 PM and 8 PM.
• The format uses Instagram's native live infrastructure, with host Marlene Barduhn moving through the Welt newsroom.
• Reporters in Berlin and Schwerin will be integrated via personal Instagram accounts, covering CDU and SPD election events.

Axel Springer Relaunches Welt am Sonntag, Removes Blue Bar

Axel Springer is relaunching its Sunday newspaper Welt am Sonntag with a new layout and structure. The most notable change is the removal of the iconic blue bar from the title page, marking the most significant redesign of the paper's title header since 1952. The article is partially behind a paywall, as it indicates that further details on other changes are available in the full text. This redesign reflects Axel Springer's ongoing efforts to modernize its media properties and adapt to contemporary reader preferences.

B&M Publishing Also Takes License for Printed Computer Bild

B&M Publishing, a German publishing house, will take over the editorial production and marketing of the printed edition of Computer Bild starting January 2027. This follows a licensing partnership with Axel Springer, expanding on earlier agreements for Auto Bild Klassik, Auto Bild Reisemobil, and Auto Bild Sportscar. The Computer Bild brand itself, including its digital activities and test and buying advice expertise, will remain part of the Bild group, with a stronger focus on digital products, testing competence, and purchasing advice. B&M Publishing managing directors Stefan Müller and Tobias Franzke see Computer Bild as a growth project and aim to significantly increase its circulation. In Q2 2026, the bi-weekly print edition had a sold circulation of 65,236 copies, down nearly 5% year over year.

• B&M Publishing will produce and market the printed Computer Bild from January 2027.
• The licensing deal is with Axel Springer, extending prior agreements for Auto Bild titles.
• Computer Bild's digital operations and test/buying advice remain with the Bild group.