Axel Springer

Axel Springer (May 2, 1912-September 22, 1985), was a German journalist and the founder of the Axel Springer Verlag publishing house.

Springer was born as Axel Cäsar Springer in Hamburg, where his father worked as publisher.

Springer's career started with the foundation of Axel Springer GmbH in Hamburg in 1947. He publishes the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper, followed by some magazines, including the popular radio and TV programme magazine Hör zu. In 1952, Springer starts the publication of the tabloid Bild, becoming the daily newspaper for millions in Germany and one important influence on public opinion. The Axel Springer Verlag today is one of the major magazine and newspaper publishers in Germany.

In the late 1960s, Springer was attacked by the leftist students movement for the political opinion pushed forward via Bild and the other Springer media and became the goal of their protest marches and direct actions. The attempted assassination of Rudi Dutschke can be connected to Bild brandishing the protesters.

Springer died in 1985 in West-Berlin.