Miriam Krekel takes over from Marc Thomas Spahl as head of journalism school at Axel Springer

As of October 1st 2022, Miriam Krekel will succeed Marc Thomas Spahl as Head of Journalism School with FreeTech – Axel Springer Academy of Journalism and Technology. 

Krekel has been with Axel Springer since 2002, holding the position of Managing Editor at BILD Berlin-Brandenburg since 2010, and also as Editor-in-Chief of Berlin newspaper B.Z. since 2017. As recently as June 2022, she spearheaded the relaunch of BZ.de, ensuring that the digital platform was the first German medium to implement the Ringier Group’s EqualVoice technology.

Spahl – who the company points out is leaving at his own request and on the best of terms –  has been instrumental in co-developing the cross-media training concept of the Axel Springer Academy, and took charge of the company’s journalism school in 2010. 

Upon the announcement, Spahl said: “There is little that compares with paving the way for young people to enter journalism and inspiring one another along the journey. Over the years, my incredible team and I have discovered, nurtured and supported more than 500 talented young individuals. After dedicating myself fully to this endeavour for so many years, the time has come for a long awaited sabbatical and then to break new grounds.”

“I look forward to that very much and thank Axel Springer for the exceptional trust the company placed in me. Finally, I wish Miriam all the very best.” 

Miriam Krekel added: “As a journalist and Editor-in-Chief, I have always been passionate about promoting talent and helping people to advance even further in the profession they love and excel at. My new role not only gives me the opportunity to do just that, but also to have a hand in shaping the future of journalism, making it the best of both worlds. I’m really looking forward to working with my new colleagues and the FreeTech Academy trainees.”

FreeTech, the Axel Springer Academy of Journalism and Technology, was founded in 2020 in order to integrate journalism and technology even more closely. 

By combining the Journalism School (formerly the Axel Springer Academy), a tech program, upskilling offers, expert communities and co-creation projects with tech platforms, FreeTech imparts the knowledge, values and tools that tomorrow’s talents will need. This interdisciplinary approach is rooted in the belief that technology and content are inextricably intertwined.