Axel Springer Announces Upday Closure to Transition Towards AI-Based News Service

The iconic publisher Axel Springer, based in Germany, is taking a significant turn in its approach to delivering news content. On the streets of Berlin, the publisher's logo stands prominently, marking a legacy of traditional journalism that's poised to embrace the future. Back in August 2013, the logo was captured by photographers from Reuters, signifying Axel Springer's long-standing presence in the media landscape.

Upday Shuts Down in Transition to AI

A transformation is underway at Axel Springer as the company decides to shut down Upday — its current news service platform. The company plans to reinvent Upday as an innovative 'trend news generator' powered by artificial intelligence, aiming to redefine how news is produced and consumed. The shift underscores the company's interest in harnessing the potential of AI in journalism.

End of an Era and a Fresh Start

In preparation for this transition, Upday will cease operations by the end of the year. This will lead to job reductions, though efforts are being made to reallocate affected employees within the Axel Springer group. From an original team of 150, only 70 remain as the company restructures.

The Future of News at Axel Springer

The publisher is eyeing summer 2024 for the launch of the new AI-driven service. With a history of collaboration with tech giants like Samsung, Upday had been a pre-installed feature on many Samsung devices, reaching users across 34 European countries. Axel Springer is no stranger to news innovation, with well-known publications such as Bild, Welt, and the U.S.-based Politico under its umbrella.

Moving Towards A Digital-First Strategy

As the digital age continues to reshape industries, Axel Springer stands at the forefront, prepared to make the leap from traditional print media to a digital-first news approach. This marks another chapter for the company as it explores the intersections of AI technology and journalism.

AxelSpringer, AI, Journalism