Blic

Daily newspaper Blic was founded in 1996 by Peter Kelbel and Aleksandar Lupsic. It was known at that time as the only ''opposition'' newspaper in Serbia. For years Blic was known as a newspaper which was close to the Democratic Party which was in power for much of the time between 2000 and 2012. After it was acquired by Ringier in early 2004, the paper became much more profit oriented, which was also reflected in its style, content and editorial policy. In line with this, the newspaper that was once known for being critical of successive Serbian governments became much more muted in its criticism. It has remained on this course until the present day, with small ups and downs, particularly since 2012. The attempt to maximise profits has also led to several rounds of lay-offs at the newspaper, generating much discontent among its employees. The ultimate owner of Blic is a Swiss company – Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, which was founded through a merger of Ringier AG from Switzerland and Axel Springer SE from Germany.

Key facts

Audience Share

6.5%

Ownership Type

private

Geographic Coverage

national

Content Type

paid content (45 RSD)

Active Transparency

company/channel informs proactively and comprehensively about its ownership, data is constantly updated and easily verifiable

4 ♥

Media Companies / Groups

Ringier Axel Springer Media AG

Ownership

Ownership Structure

Blic is owned by Ringier Axel Spinger ltd, the Serbian subsidiary of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG from Switzerland, in which the latter has a 100% ownership stake.

Group / Individual Owner

Ringier AG

Ringier AG is a privately owned multinational media company established in Switzerland in 1833. In addition to over 120 printed publications worldwide, Ringier owns significant shares in a number of TV and radio stations and produces a range of TV programs. It is also very active in the online media world, with more than 200 internet or mobile portals that it manages. With its headquarters in Zurich, Ringier employs over 7,000 employees worldwide.

50%

Axel Springer SE

Publishing house Axel Springer was established in 1946 by Axel Springer and has its headquarters in Berlin, employing more than 11,000 people. Since its creation in 1946, it has become one of the largest newspaper and magazine publishers in Germany and a major European media company. Its portfolio of printed outlets includes famous publications such as Das Bild and Die Welt. Its international business interests and digital media account for a major part of its revenues.

50%

Media Companies / Groups

Ringier Axel Springer Media AG

Facts

General Information

Founding Year

1996

Founder

Peter Kelbel and Aleksandar Lupsic

Ceo

Veselin Simonovic

Affiliated Interests Ceo

Veselin Simonovic was a journalist and one of editors at the weekly Vreme during the early 1990's. At Blic, he started as an editor in 1998 and later became the editor in chief. In 2010 he became editor in chief of integrated editorial staff, a post in which he stayed until the end of 2014. In 2015, Simonovic became the Director of the Blic.