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SWMH plans conversion: Strong focus on local journalism in Baden-Württemberg!
SWMH is restructuring its media holding in order to strengthen regional journalism in Stuttgart-South and master digital challenges.
SWMH plans conversion: Strong focus on local journalism in Baden-Württemberg!
On May 28, 2025, Südwestdeutsche Medienholding (SWMH) is planning a comprehensive reorganization of its corporate structure. According to the Stuttgarter Nachrichten, this step is seen as a reaction to changes in the media industry, particularly with regard to digitalization and changing user behavior. These structural changes mean that the newspaper titles of Medienholding Süd will move under a new holding umbrella. These titles include well-known newspapers such as the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the “Stuttgarter Zeitung”, the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” and the “Schwarzwälder Bote”.
A central component of the reorganization includes the acquisition of SWMH's previous shares in Medienholding Süd GmbH by Neue Pressegesellschaft Ulm. Furthermore, the Medien Union Ludwigshafen association plans to separate the specialist information division from the SWMH and operate it independently. Despite these changes, nothing will change for readers for the time being. The editorial independence and regional focus remain when it comes to SWMH's informative products.
Importance of structural changes
The SWMH is also aware of the challenges in the media industry and has joined the code for media companies to protect journalists. This is happening against the background of increasing violence against journalists in Germany and internationally. The measures aim to ensure free and independent research and reporting within their sphere of influence. The SWMH sees itself as having a responsibility to act fairly and ethically, with awareness of human rights playing a central role.
The company has also signed the “Diversity Charter” to create an appreciative working environment for all employees, regardless of age, ethnic origin, gender, physical or mental abilities, religion, sexual orientation or social background. This lived diversity should not only strengthen the corporate culture, but also have a positive influence on the company's success.
Digitalization and journalism
The current structural change in the media landscape is related to profound changes caused by digitalization. The shift to digital journalism requires not only an adjustment of research and production practices, but also a reinterpretation of storytelling. Thanks to mobile devices, content can be consumed regardless of time and location, which brings with it the need for journalistic topicality and new research methods such as data journalism. These dynamic changes have also increased interactions with audiences, referred to as “dialogization.”
The media industry also shows a high willingness to experiment, which can be seen in the continuous rapprochement between offline and online editorial teams. Cross-media distribution channels and the opportunity for audience participation contribute to quality assurance in reporting, as the developments in digital journalism make clear.
Overall, SWMH is facing an important structural decision that takes into account both the regional media business and the current challenges of the industry. The changes presented are a step into the future of the media landscape in Baden-Württemberg.