Axel Springer and Microsoft forge expanded partnership to empower independent journalism

Axel Springer SE and Microsoft Corp. have announced an expanded partnership that will deepen their cooperation across advertising, artificial intelligence (AI), content, and cloud computing. This collaboration is set to leverage cutting-edge technology to support and promote independent journalism globally.

The partnership will broaden the existing adtech relationship to include POLITICO in the U.S., enhancing Axel Springer’s advertising capabilities with Microsoft’s technology. Both companies are also committed to exploring the potential of responsible AI to develop new, innovative AI-driven user experiences.

Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s impact on journalism, stating, “In this new era of AI, partnerships are critical to preserving and promoting independent journalism while ensuring a thriving media landscape. We’re optimistic about the future of journalism and the opportunities we can unlock through this expanded partnership with Microsoft.”

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in media, “This new generation of AI is transforming nearly every aspect of work and life, including how people search for and consume content online. Our expanded partnership with Axel Springer brings together their leadership in digital publishing with the full power of the Microsoft Cloud — including our ad solutions — to build innovative AI-driven experiences and create new opportunity for advertisers and users.”

Key Elements of the Partnership

– Extending Adtech Collaboration to the U.S.: Axel Springer will adopt Microsoft Advertising as its ad server solution in the U.S., integrating Microsoft Advertising technology with POLITICO. This expansion builds on a successful partnership in Europe, combining Axel Springer’s adtech management with Microsoft’s comprehensive advertising solutions.

– Innovative AI Experiences and Monetization: The partnership will explore new AI-driven chat experiences that aim to enhance how users interact with Axel Springer’s content. Additionally, Axel Springer will utilize Microsoft Advertising’s Chat Ads API for AI-driven monetization, further integrating AI technology into its business strategy.

– Enhanced Content Offerings Through Microsoft Start-MSN: Users of Microsoft Start-MSN will gain access to more premium content from Axel Springer’s top news brands, including Business Insider, POLITICO, BILD, and WELT. This expansion aims to reach millions of users across various devices and markets.

– Microsoft Azure Expansion: Axel Springer will migrate its SAP solutions to Microsoft Azure, leveraging Azure’s AI capabilities to innovate further and enhance the scalability, reliability, and performance of its digital infrastructure.

This strategic partnership not only aims to innovate in the fields of AI and advertising but also to strengthen independent journalism by integrating advanced technological solutions into the fabric of media and content delivery. With these initiatives, Axel Springer and Microsoft are setting new standards for the future of digital journalism and corporate cooperation in the tech-driven media landscape.