Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner has drawn criticism after suggesting journalists should support Israel or consider resigning, raising concerns about editorial independence at one of Europe’s largest media groups.
Speaking in an internal meeting with staff, Dopfner, whose media group includes the Telegraph and Politico, said employees who disagree with the company's core principles – known internally as "the essentials" – may be better suited to work elsewhere.
"Nobody should work for Axel Springer despite the essentials or in disagreement with one of the essentials," he said, according to audio obtained by the Jewish Insider.
"If the essentials are not attractive, if the essentials are not a magnet, if the essentials are not a reason why to work for this company, I can only recommend working for other companies," he added.
The remarks came during a 40-minute meeting with Politico employees following complaints from journalists over opinion articles Dopfner had written. Staff is said to have argued that his views risked undermining the outlet's editorial neutrality.
