DER SPIEGEL GmbH & Co. KG
Der Spiegel is a leading news magazine in Germany, known for independent and investigative journalism. With over 75 years of experience, it offers high-quality content in print, online, and TV. Employee participation ensures editorial independence and quality.
Der Spiegel: A Leading Medium in German Journalism
editHistory and Profile
editDer Spiegel, founded on January 4, 1947 by Rudolf Augstein, is one of the most significant and influential news magazines in Germany. With a history of over 75 years, Der Spiegel has established itself as an indispensable part of the German media landscape. The magazine is published weekly, since January 2015 on Saturdays, and its digital edition is already available on Friday afternoons[2][4].
Key Products and Services
editDer Spiegel offers a wide range of journalistic content characterized by thorough research and reliable quality. The main products include:
- Print Magazine: The weekly news magazine that focuses on investigative reporting, political and social issues.
- Online Offers: The news portal, which has been operating under the name Spiegel Online since 1994 and under the umbrella brand Der Spiegel since 2020, provides current news, background reports, and analyses.
- TV Productions: SPIEGEL TV produces high-quality documentaries, reports, and programs on current and socially relevant topics that are broadcast on various television channels[5].
Mission and Values
editDer Spiegel stands for independent and investigative journalism. Rudolf Augstein's motto, "Say what is," shapes the work of the editorial team. The journalists report carefully and truthfully, independent of political, economic, ideological, or religious interests. A central role is played by the Spiegel Statute, which prescribes the meticulous verification of all news and information[2][4].
Sustainability and Employee Participation
editThe SPIEGEL Group is characterized by a unique employee participation model. Since 1974, the staff has held half of the company, thus sharing responsibility, decision-making, and entitlement to half of the profits. This structure shapes the climate within the organization and ensures the journalistic independence of the company[3][4].
Documentation and Fact-Checking
editAnother focus is comprehensive documentation and fact-checking. The documentation department, one of the largest in the world, supports the editorial teams in research and verifies all facts and claims in the articles. This careful verification ensures the high quality and reliability of the published content[2].
Reach and Influence
editDer Spiegel reaches over 12 million people each week and enjoys great trust in the German media landscape. The brand is a founding member of the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) and is considered one of the leading media in the German-speaking world[2][4].
With its long-standing tradition, independent reporting, and careful research, Der Spiegel has achieved a prominent position in the German media landscape and remains an indispensable part of public discourse.