With newspaper readership on the decline worldwide as the industry faces the print-to-digital transition, a German approach may serve as a reference for Japanese media seeking new tactics to attract customers.
Martin Doerry, senior editor and former deputy editor in chief of Der Spiegel, one of the largest weekly news magazines in Europe, says that introducing the online standalone website, Spiegel Online, in 1994 has led to the publication's success today.
Der Spiegel, which has been published since 1947 and is known for its in-depth coverage of political and other issues, was the first to introduce the online service in Germany, helping the magazine extend its brand.