Journalist Rainer Nowak makes a comeback to the media spotlight
Rainer Nowak Makes a Comeback as "Die Presse" CEO
Get ready for a familiar face at "Die Presse"! Rainer Nowak, aged 52, is making his return as the company's CEO starting July 1st, as announced by the Styria Media Group on July 3rd. Back in the saddle, Nowak has a history with "Die Presse," serving as its editor-in-chief from 2012 to 2022, and doubling as CEO from 2017 to 2022. After a short stint with "Kronen Zeitung" following a controversy, he's back where he belonged.
As for the changes in the team, Herwig Langanger, embedded in the Styria Media Group's board since 2022, is leaving his post as "Presse" CEO. Langanger, who took up the role since 2014, will be replaced by Andreas Rast, who has been in the position since 2022. The editorial leadership and overall control of publication remains with editor-in-chief Florian Asamer. Langanger expresses his excitement about working alongside Nowak again, now as a Styria board member.
Markus Mair, Styria Media Group's CEO, highlights Nowak's deep-rooted connection to the Die Presse brand. Nowak's journey with "Presse" began in 1996, and he was appointed as the newspaper's editor-in-chief in 2012. Within three years, he was crowned publisher, and by 2017, the CEO position was his as well.
WKStA Draws the Line
In November 2022, a report from Austria’s Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) containing chats between Nowak and Thomas Schmid forced temporary suspension of Nowak's functions as "Presse" editor-in-chief and publisher. The report hinted at Nowak's ambitious quest for the ORF chair and seeking Schmid's support. Schmid allegedly responded, "Now you're still ORF boss" and "It's a matter of honor. Now you have to help me at the ORF." Nowak defended these interactions, stating that Schmid's help was never promised, and he emphasized that no interference in reporting had occurred. The WKStA wrapped up the investigation against Nowak in March 2024, finding no evidence to support corruption charges.
Nowak has appeared in recent public debates about media and populism, signaling his continued engagement in shaping the editorial direction. Curious about the chats and their implications? Check out the available reports for a closer look.
- Rainer Nowak, once a CEO and editor-in-chief at "Die Presse," is making a comeback to the position starting July 1st, 2023, as announced by the Styria Media Group.
- In 2024, economical and social policy discussions in general-news, business, finance, and politics were greatly influenced by Nowak's opinion during his recent participation in public debates about media and populism.
- The Styria Media Group's publishing wing will be under Nowak's leadership once more after the investigation by Austria’s Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) found no evidence to support corruption charges against him in 2024.
- With Nowak back as the CEO, "Die Presse" is set to embark on a new phase under his experienced leadership in both publishing and business aspects, a development followed closely by the press.
- As chief executive officers in the media industry, the roles of Rainer Nowak at "Die Presse" and Markus Mair at the Styria Media Group will now both have substantial impact on economic and social policies, shaping the future of publishing industries in Austria and beyond.
