

on the record
Axel Springer SE
The podcast for all employees of Axel Springer. Here, leading voices of our media group discuss what moves us today and in the future. The podcast is hosted by Adib Sisani, Global Head of Communications.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2024 • 12min
Axel Springer’s Future: An Update from CEO Mathias Döpfner
Episode #31 of “on the record“
CEO Mathias Döpfner talks “on the record” about exciting news for the media company. Dive into this compelling episode on the company's revamped structure, discover what it means for the team, and what his vision for the future is. Don’t miss these exclusive insights—tune in now!
Here you can find the link to the corporate’s website and the latest press releases:
https://www.axelspringer.com/en/press
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Sep 18, 2024 • 22min
The Next Media Frontier—The CEOs of BILD, Business Insider, POLITICO, and WELT Share Their Vision
Episode #30 of “on the record“ (3/3)
To wrap up our three-part series with the CEOs of leading media brands, we address the burning question: What’s next in media? Join us as we dive into a captivating conversation with Carolin Hulshoff Pol, CEO of WELT; Business Insider’s CEO Barbara Peng; Claudius Senst, CEO of BILD; and Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of POLITICO. This episode is all about the game-changing role of Artificial Intelligence in the media landscape. Discover how AI is already reshaping how these brands serve their audiences and what Axel Springer’s groundbreaking OpenAI partnership means for the future of journalism.
Did you miss the first episode? Here are the links to episode one:
Podigee: https://ontherecord.podigee.io/28-podcast-ceos-media-brands-future-of-news
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ekoXGn2WrV1EyNHbOzdoO?si=hTxxeFTrTFeZPBYPidSbBw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/is-being-a-legacy-business-a-blessing-or/id1714672349?i=1000666081209
And here are the links to the second episode:
Podigee: https://ontherecord.podigee.io/29-podcast-ceos-media-brands-challenges
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bJzwtHArVX2oAstSAQ1WD?si=Nydrdsj5QOiyCIPOH-5J3A
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/how-to-handle-disruption-the-ceos-of-bild/id1714672349?i=1000668272960
Here you can find the LinkedIn channels of the participants:
Adib Sisani is the host of the podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adib-ashraf-sisani-b182583b/
Goli Sheikholeslami is the CEO of POLITICO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/golisheikholeslami/
Carolin is WELT’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolin-hulshoff-pol-11608954/
Barbara Peng is CEO of Business Insider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarapeng/
Claudius Senst is BILD’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudius-senst/
Here you can find the homepage from POLITICO. And here is the European version: https://www.politico.eu/
Here’s WELT’s homepage.
Here you can find Business Insider.
And here BILD.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Sep 4, 2024 • 21min
How to Handle Disruption: The CEOs of BILD, Business Insider, POLITICO, and WELT Discuss Current Challenges in Media
Episode #29 of “on the record“ (2/3)
In the second episode of our three-part series with the CEOs of our biggest media brands, we dive deep into the challenges on both sides of the Atlantic. Join us as Carolin Hulshoff Pol, CEO of WELT; Barbara Peng, CEO of Business Insider; BILD’s CEO Claudius Senst; and POLITICO’s CEO Goli Sheikholeslami tackle the big questions: Are the challenges unique to each brand? How does the decline of local journalism fuel polarization of society? And most crucially, how do we keep trust in the media alive? Don’t miss this insightful discussion. Tune in to the second episode of our series now.
Did you miss the first episode? Here are the links for
Podigee: https://ontherecord.podigee.io/28-podcast-ceos-media-brands-future-of-news
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7ekoXGn2WrV1EyNHbOzdoO?si=hTxxeFTrTFeZPBYPidSbBw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/is-being-a-legacy-business-a-blessing-or/id1714672349?i=1000666081209
Here you can find the LinkedIn channels of the participants:
Adib Sisani is the host of the podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adib-ashraf-sisani-b182583b/
Goli Sheikholeslami is the CEO of POLITICO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/golisheikholeslami/
Carolin Hulshoff Pol is WELT’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolin-hulshoff-pol-11608954/
Barbara Peng is CEO of Business Insider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarapeng/
Claudius Senst is BILD’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudius-senst/
Here you can find the homepage of POLITICO. And here is the European version: https://www.politico.eu/
Here’s WELT’s homepage.
Here you can find Business Insider.
And here BILD.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Aug 21, 2024 • 19min
Is Being a Legacy Business a Blessing or a Burden? Insights from the CEOs of BILD, Business Insider, POLITICO, and WELT
Episode #28 of “on the record“ (Part 1/3)
In the first of three special episodes, the CEOs of our biggest media brands from both sides of the Atlantic come together to discuss the future of the news business. On the one hand, we have BILD and WELT—two formerly traditional print newspapers with a history of transformation. On the other, the digital natives Business Insider and POLITICO. Join Carolin Hulshoff Pol, CEO of WELT, Business Insider’s CEO Barbara Peng, BILD’s CEO Claudius Senst, and Goli Sheikholeslami, CEO of POLITICO, as they discuss, among other topics: What's the best starting point for disruption? And: Is being a legacy business a blessing or a burden?
Here you can find the LinkedIn channels of the participants:
Adib Sisani is the host of the podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adib-ashraf-sisani-b182583b/
Goli Sheikholeslami is the CEO of POLITICO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/golisheikholeslami/
Carolin is WELT’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolin-hulshoff-pol-11608954/
Barbara Peng is CEO of Business Insider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarapeng/
Claudius Senst is BILD’s CEO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudius-senst/
Here you can find the homepage from POLITICO.
Here’s WELT’s homepage.
Here you can find Business Insider.
And here BILD.
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Jul 29, 2024 • 19min
Navigating AI—Part 2/2: Axel Springer’s Live Podcast with Andrew Briz from POLITICO and Dan Van Dyke from EMARKETER
Episode #27 of “on the record“
In this episode, we welcome Andrew Briz, Editorial Director of Newsroom Engineering at POLITICO. As a participant of the AI Fellowship, he explored the AI hubs in Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, and presents his insider's view of the the technology’s potential and our approach to utilizing it. Later, we meet Dan Van Dyke, VP Generative AI at EMARKETER. As a member of Axel Springer’s AI Ambassador Program, he exchanges new ideas with colleagues from other brands of Axel Springer. He shares insights into the program's focus areas, his motivation, and the challenges he tackles on a daily basis. This special episode was recorded live during Axel Springer's Media & Tech Con in Berlin in May 2024.
If you want to learn more about Axel Springer’s Media & Tech Con, check out this a_inside: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/inside/media-tech-con-2024-all-hands-on-deck
Here’s his LinkedIn profile if you’d like to follow our AI explorer, Andrew Briz, Editorial Director of Newsroom Engineering at POLITICO: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbriz/
We also published an a_inside blogpost on the AI Expedition: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/inside/artificial-intelligence-an-expedition
Here is more information on POLITICO: https://www.politico.eu/
Dan van Dyke, VP Generative AI at EMARKETER, can also be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-van-dyke-0a720625/
And information on EMARKETER: https://www.emarketer.com/
We also recently interviewed Shelleen Shum, VP of Forecasting, about EMARKETER's forecasting business. Check it out here: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/inside/shelleen-shum-on-emarketers-forecasting-business
This is the second part of our live podcast recorded at Media & Tech Con. You can listen to the first part here: https://ontherecord.podigee.io/26-live-podcast-niddal-salah-eldin-ekaterina-schneider
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Jul 22, 2024 • 17min
Navigating AI—Part 1/2: Axel Springer’s Live Podcast with Niddal Salah-Eldin and Ekaterina Schneider
Episode #26 of “on the record“
Niddal Salah-Eldin, Executive Board Member for Talent & Culture, joins us to elaborate on our hands-on approach to Generative Artificial Intelligence, transforming the way we operate, innovate, and connect with our audience. Later in the episode we welcome Ekaterina Schneider, Head of Upskilling at the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology. She explores how our upskilling programs empower employees to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving media landscape. This special episode was recorded live during the Media & Tech Con of Axel Springer in May 2024 in Berlin.
If you want to learn more about the Media & Tech Con of Axel Springer, check out this a_inside: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/inside/media-tech-con-2024-all-hands-on-deck
If you want to follow our Executive Board Member for Talent & Culture, Niddal Salah-Eldin, here is her LinkedIn channel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niddalsalah-eldin/
Ekaterina Schneider, Head of Upskilling at Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology, can also be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinaschneider/S
More information on the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology: https://www.axelspringeracademy.com/en/
To learn more about the the “AI Expedition” mentioned by Niddal, check out the following a_inside blogpost: : https://www.axelspringer.com/en/inside/artificial-intelligence-an-expedition
Niddal has been a guest on our podcast before. Check out the episode right here: https://ontherecord.podigee.io/16-niddal-salah-eldin-generative-ai-approach
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Jul 11, 2024 • 22min
Executive Editor Germany Gordon Repinski from POLITICO About the First 100 Editions of Berlin Playbook
Episode #25 of “on the record“
On this episode, we welcome Gordon Repinski, Executive Editor Germany from POLITICO. Berlin marks the latest expansion of POLITICO, and Gordon has just published the 100th issue of the “Berlin Playbook” newsletter, among other regular products like the Pro newsletter and podcast. It’s a good time to catch up: How has the launch been for him? How is he handling the extreme workload? How is he working with POLITICO’s transatlantic network? Tune in to the latest episode for an in-depth exploration of the innovative world of political journalism and future media trends.
The first app Gordon opens every morning is X. Here is his profile: https://x.com/GordonRepinski
And here is his profile on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-repinski-51174a68/
And Gordon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gordon.repinski
Watch a throwback of the Berlin Playbook launch here: https://youtu.be/leIQowEVSvw?si=t_NqbS--G7upU0tY
Check out the video about the start of the Berlin Playbook: https://youtu.be/H8zOxOW4YEA
Do you want to see the whole launch event of the Berlin Playbook in February 2024? Here is the link: https://youtu.be/As5SAi7XKLc
Do you want to subscribe to the Berlin Playbook for free? Follow this link: https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/berlin-playbook/
Do you want to listen to the podcast “Berlin Playbook – der Podcast?” It's right here: https://www.politico.eu/podcast/berlin-playbook-podcast/
If you are interested in the Pro newsletter “Brussels Decoded”, click right here for a free trial:
https://www.politico.eu/politico-pro-brussels-decoded-das-europa-briefing-newsletter-trial/
Do you want to learn more about the POLITICO brand? Click right here: https://www.politico.eu/
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Jun 17, 2024 • 13min
Axel Springer’s CEO Mathias Döpfner: Advocacy for a Stronger Sales Focus and an Office-First Approach
Episode #24 of “on the record“
In this episode, Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner provides an exclusive business update. He delves into the complex macro environment we’re navigating and outlines his strategy for overcoming challenges. Mathias emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sales as a key driver of revenue growth. He also shares insights on fostering an office-first approach and highlights the value of social interaction and direct collaboration for long-term success.
If you want to hear the last episode with Mathias, click right here to get to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32ui7PuQY33u7wL39J87gK?si=d1UkuHNwRxmZc_KrxjBRYw
Or to Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349?i=1000639306853
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

May 15, 2024 • 17min
Miriam Krekel on the Challenges of the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology in the Age of AI
Episode #24 of “on the record“
In this episode, we talk with Miriam Krekel, Head of the Journalism School at the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology, about the challenges facing journalism in the Age of AI. Miriam gives us insight into how the Academy operates and how students utilize technology and critical thinking for their research. She also elaborates on the importance of their sense of democracy and freedom, as well as many other interesting aspects of the education of young journalists.
If you want to learn more about the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology, check out the following link: https://www.axelspringeracademy.com/en/
About the Axel Springer Prize for Young Journalism (German): https://www.axel-springer-preis.de/
Miriam also talks about the B.Z., the Berlin-focused tabloid she was working for before she came to the Academy. Here is the link (German): https://www.bz-berlin.de/
She mentions Paul Ronzheimer, a former student of the Academy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ronzheimer-b0a0b870/
Another former student of the Academy is Nele Würzbach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nele-w%C3%BCrzbach-0319a7126/
She mentions also Henk van Ess who teaches at the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism & Technology. Here is the link to his profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henkvaness/
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349

Mar 14, 2024 • 25min
Awin CEO Adam Ross on Transforming into a MarTech Platform
Episode #22 of “on the record“
In this episode, we talk with Awin's CEO, Adam Ross, about the company’s transformation into a leading Marketing Technology (MarTech) company. We learn about the business of affiliate marketing and the dynamics shaping the industry. Adam shares insights into the incredible potential of affiliate marketing and the challenges the industry has yet to overcome. Finally, he outlines how Awin benefits from being part of the Axel Springer family, which has transformed Awin into a true hidden gem within the portfolio.
If you want to learn more about Awin, check out the following link: https://www.awin.com/gb
Awin is among the top 50 employers in the UK in 2023:
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Award/Best-Places-to-Work-UK-2023-LST_KQ0,27.htm
One of the press releases of Awin in which he described the affiliate marketing industry as at a pivotal inflection point: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/ax-press-release/awin-appoints-gisele-mast-as-chief-product-technology-officer
The press release of Adam Ross becoming CEO of Awin: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/ax-press-release/adam-ross-becomes-new-ceo-of-awin
Press release of Axel Springer and United Internet forming one global affiliate network out of Awin and affilinet: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/ax-press-release/axel-springer-and-united-internet-bring-together-awin-and-affilinet-forming-one-global-affiliate-network
More information about the newly added tools at Awin: https://www.awin.com/gb/news-and-events/awin-news/winter-release
If you want to learn about the “Opportunity Snapshot Report”, you can find it here: https://www.awin.com/gb/forrester-affiliate-investment-2024?utm_source=inside_wrap&utm_medium=newsletter-uk&utm_campaign=forrester-study
Don’t miss out on the latest updates, insights, and exciting content. Follow us today:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axelspringer_se/
👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axelspringer/
👉 More stories from Axel Springer: https://www.axelspringer.com/en/stories
Stay in the loop! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/6GiO3v391PbMrtKwoiYx5Q
👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/on-the-record/id1714672349


