AUSTRIA: One of world’s oldest newspapers still in print, Austria’s Wiener Zeitung will primarily move online, after decision by country’s Parliament. Development marks final step in years-long dispute between Austrian government and newspaper about future of state-owned daily.

Founded in 1703 under name Wiennerisches Diarium and later renamed Wiener Zeitung in 1780, formerly private bi-weekly paper was nationalised by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria in 1857, becoming country’s official gazette. “It is adopted with majority,” Norbert Hofer, third president of parliament, said of new law to primarily move publication online from July 1. Paper will maintain minimum of ten print publications per year, depending on funds available.

Wiener Zeitung was in 2004 ranked as one of oldest newspapers still in circulation, World Association of News Publishers told AFP. Newspaper’s role as official gazette, its main source of revenue will move to separate state-owned online platform. Government argued that this was in line with European directive to centralise and publish official information online.

Meanwhile, Wiener Zeitung will establish media hub, content agency and training centre for journalists.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 28 2023

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