Double is Better: Rainer Nowak Returns to the "Presse"
Rainer Nowak (52) returns as managing director of "Die Presse" on July 1st. This was announced by the Styria Media Group on Monday. Nowak was editor-in-chief of "Die Presse" from 2012 to 2022 and additionally managing director from 2017 to 2022. After chats with Thomas Schmid became known, he vacated his position and switched to the "Kronen Zeitung" in 2023, where he was most recently head of the economy and politics section, among other things.
From the "Presse" to the "Krone" and back - Rainer Nowak becomes managing director again
In July, Herwig Langanger, a board member of the Styria Media Group since 2022, will step down from his position as "Presse" managing director, which he has held since 2014, at his own request. Andreas Rast remains the second managing director, a role he has held since 2022. The "overall editorial responsibility and management of the editorial team" will remain unchanged with editor-in-chief Florian Asamer, it was stated. Langanger was quoted as saying he looks forward to working with Nowak again in his role as a Styria board member.
Markus Mair, CEO of the Styria Media Group, emphasized Rainer Nowak's "deep connection to the 'Die Presse' brand". Nowak has been with the "Presse" since 1996. In 2012, the native of Innsbruck was promoted to editor-in-chief of the newspaper. In 2014, the role of publisher was added, and in 2017, that of managing director.
"Matter of honor": Chats with Thomas Schmid became Nowak's downfall
In November 2022, Nowak initially put his roles as "Presse" editor-in-chief and publisher on hold. The trigger was a report by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA), which included chats between Nowak and Thomas Schmid. According to these, the "Presse" editor-in-chief apparently harbored ambitions for the ORF chief position and hoped for support from Schmid. For example, Schmid wrote: "Now you as ORF chief"/"Dude - then it really takes off"/"Thanks for everything." Nowak responded with: "Matter of honor. Now you have to help me with ORF, please." Schmid: "Absolutely." In addition, Nowak gave Schmid wording tips for communication with his editorial team.
WKStA ended investigations against Nowak in March 2024
Nowak already stated at that time that there had never been a deal with Schmid. He also addressed the readers of the "Presse" and apologized for the "tone and inappropriate closeness" of the chat logs. He emphasized that no attempt at intervention had been reflected in the reporting and that the allegations concerned him and not the editorial team. In March 2024, the WKStA ended the investigations against Nowak.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.