Russmedia takes over Tyrolean Moser Holding and bundles regional media in Western Austria

Ownership Structure and Stakes

The Moser family justified the move with the desire to strengthen regional journalism in the long term. The press release states: "The Moser family has made the decision to completely divest its shares very consciously and deliberately, out of conviction and out of the common will to strengthen regional journalism in the long term within the framework of the new media group in Western Austria." Owner representative Wilfried Stauder said: "We have decided on this step because we see the opportunity here for Moser Holding to have a bigger stage, more investment power, and a partner on equal footing who shares the same values."

Both companies emphasized that the regional brands are to be preserved. "The regional brands of both companies are to be preserved, with their editorial teams, their regional identity, and their journalistic independence," the statement reads. Stauder added, with regard to the Tiroler Tageszeitung: "What has been built up in Tyrol over decades – independent, regionally rooted quality journalism – deserves a future that does justice to its strength."

Editorial Independence and Brands

Those responsible also referred to Scandinavian media houses that have shown in recent years that sustainable business models for regional journalism are possible. The partners speak of a pooling of strengths and a "strong alliance for the media location in Western Austria."

The management of Moser Holding will remain unchanged in terms of personnel. Silvia Lieb will continue to lead the company as CEO. The editorial leadership will also remain in place: Matthias Krapf is the editor-in-chief of the Tiroler Tageszeitung, and Isabel Russ is the editor-in-chief of the Vorarlberger Nachrichten. The managing director of Russmedia is Markus Raith. Gerhard Burtscher chairs the supervisory board of BTV.

People and Leadership

Moser Holding CEO Silvia Lieb clarified: "The 'Tiroler Tageszeitung' and tt.com will remain Tyrol's independent leading medium." Editor-in-chief Krapf underscored the regional roots with the words: "The 'TT' and tt.com belong to Tyrol, with the editorial team in Tyrol, with topics from Tyrol, with the voice of Tyrol."

Russmedia Managing Director Raith spoke of a "clear commitment to strong regional media in Western Austria – in Tyrol as well as in Vorarlberg." BTV Supervisory Board Chairman Burtscher described the merger as a "clear commitment to a strong, independent media location in Western Austria."

Outlook and Open Questions

Nothing was announced regarding the purchase price or the financial framework of the transaction. The parties involved also provided no details on a precise timeline for completion as long as the cartel review is not concluded. Observers view the move as a signal for further consolidation in Austrian regional journalism.