How taz defied failure and thrives after 45 years of independent journalism
Die tageszeitung (taz), once predicted to fail within a year of its 1979 launch, has now thrived for nearly 45 years. The newspaper's founding generation is stepping back, leaving the task of securing its future to a new wave of supporters. One key effort involves strengthening the taz Panter Foundation, which backs young journalists, defends critical reporting, and aids persecuted media workers.
To keep the paper independent, the focus has shifted to consolidating ownership within the cooperative itself. Today, around 94% of its shares are held by the foundation—a sharp rise from the 1990s, when external cooperatives owned significant portions.
From the start, taz defied expectations. Critics in 1979 assumed it would collapse quickly, yet it endured by sticking to its founding principles. Now, as its original pioneers retire, the challenge is ensuring the paper's survival for the next generation.
One method is through share transfers. Supporters can bequeath their cooperative shares to *taz* in their wills or transfer them during their lifetime. The newspaper actively discourages passing shares to children or heirs, preferring instead to keep ownership within the cooperative structure. Financial legacies also play a role. Donors can leave money to *taz* directly or name the *taz Panter Foundation* as a beneficiary in their will. The foundation, in turn, uses these resources to fund investigative journalism, protect press freedom, and assist reporters facing persecution. The shift toward internal ownership has been gradual. While exact details of the transition remain undocumented, the trend is clear: since the 1990s, *taz* has steadily increased its self-ownership. This strategy helps shield the paper from outside influence, preserving its editorial independence in a rapidly changing media landscape.
With nearly half a century behind it, taz continues to adapt while staying true to its roots. The push for share consolidation and financial support aims to secure its future. By reinforcing the taz Panter Foundation and keeping ownership internal, the newspaper plans to remain a voice for critical, independent journalism for decades to come.
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