Observed Signal · Jun 3, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
MAZ Abolishes Entrance Exam
The MAZ Institute for Journalism and Communication announced curriculum changes to its two-year journalism diploma, effective 2027. Three main reforms aim to make the program more practice-oriented and compatible with working life: students may switch specializations in the second year (e.g., text to audio/video); the minimum required practicum days are reduced to 280 over two years (together with course days equivalent to roughly 80% workload); and the separate entrance exam will be removed. Admission will still require a permanent editorial position or regular freelance work for a newsroom. MAZ attributes the changes to industry needs and recent financial strain following falling enrolments and a revenue drop in 2025.
Program and admission changes at a Swiss journalism institute are primarily of local/media-education relevance with limited impact on the broader AdTech/MarTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- MAZ will implement three curriculum changes to its two-year journalism diploma starting in 2027.
- Students may change their specialization in the second year (for example from text to audio or video).
- The minimum practicum requirement is reduced to 280 days over two years (combined with course days equals approximately 80% workload).
- A separate entrance examination will be abolished; admission still requires a permanent newsroom employment or regular freelance collaboration.
- MAZ reported financial difficulties after declining participant numbers in 2025, which led to revenue decline and an operational deficit.
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MAZ Reports Loss for Fiscal Year 2025
The MAZ Institute for Journalism and Communication closed its 2025 fiscal year with a reported annual loss and a notable drop in revenue. The institute’s annual report records a net loss of CHF 114,164 and an operating result of minus CHF 1.525 million, roughly CHF 0.5 million below budget. Net revenue from services fell from CHF 4.8 million to CHF 3.97 million. Both the journalism and communications divisions saw declines: journalism revenue fell to CHF 1.974 million (a five‑year low), while the communications unit missed budget and prior‑year targets by about CHF 700,000 due to cancelled longer courses. MAZ has launched a transformation project in early 2026 to review offerings and reduce fixed costs and initiated an accreditation process in H2 2025 to seek state recognition for its diplomas.
Axel Springer Academy Takes Over B.Z. Editorial
Axel Springer is handing leadership and editorial responsibility for the Berlin tabloid B.Z. to the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism and Technology. Miriam Krekel, who was B.Z. editor-in-chief from 2017–2022 and now leads the Academy, will oversee the title. Springer describes the move as a radical editorial reorganisation aimed at rejuvenating the brand, experimenting with innovative formats (including AI-supported hyperlocal journalism), and proving local tabloid journalism can remain economically viable. The new B.Z. newsroom will mix experienced editors with rotating journalism students from the Academy. Springer expects low double-digit job reductions in the current B.Z. team and plans voluntary and socially compatible measures. There will be no separate B.Z. editor-in-chief; the future role of recent editorial lead Jan Schilde is currently unclear.
MDR to End 'MDR um Zwei' Magazine by Year-End
German regional broadcaster MDR is expected to discontinue its early‑afternoon magazine program "MDR um Zwei" at the end of the year as part of broader cost‑cutting measures triggered by a missed public broadcasting fee increase. MDR director Ralf Ludwig previously signalled substantial additional savings needs; regional management in Magdeburg was reportedly informed by Landesfunkhaus chief Tim Herden. MDR spokesperson Michael Naumann declined to fully confirm the cancellation pending committee decisions but cited budget constraints. Plans reportedly call for a successor format delivered only via streaming rather than linear broadcast, and the linear TV schedule would likely resume live programming from about 16:00. Production of the show had been relocated to Magdeburg in mid‑2023.
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