Starting April 1, DuMont will assume editorial responsibility for the 'Kölnische Rundschau', a prominent regional newspaper in Cologne, as announced by the Cologne publishing house on Thursday. The decision follows a consistent decline in subscription numbers, which publisher Johannes Heinen reported have dropped by approximately ten percent annually. This economic strain has rendered the newspaper unviable for Heinen Verlag, prompting the transfer of ownership to DuMont, a larger media group.

The takeover comes amidst significant job cuts, with reports indicating that around 50 positions will be eliminated in the process. This has sparked criticism from various journalists' associations, who are concerned about the implications for local journalism and employment in the region. Additionally, the mayor of Cologne has voiced his dissent regarding the decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust local press that serves the community.

DuMont's acquisition reflects broader trends in the newspaper industry, particularly concerning regional publications facing financial difficulties amid the rise of digital media and changing consumer habits. The situation raises questions about the future of local journalism in Germany and how larger media corporations will handle the challenges posed by declining readership and advertising revenues.