Axel Springer

German media mogul, journalist and publisher. After World War II, he was one of the first to receive a newpaper licence from the British administration in Hamburg, and started the Hamburger Abendblatt newspaper in 1946. In 1952, Springer started the publication of the tabloid Bild, becoming the daily newspaper for millions in Germany and an important influence on public opinion. He went on to launch and acquire a string of papers and magazines characterised by entertainment and conservative politics, Die Welt among others. His papers held a distinct pro-Israel point of view, whenever the subject came up. In the late 1960s, Springer was attacked by the radical-leftist student movement for the political opinion pushed forward via Bild and the other Springer media and became a goal of protest marches and direct actions.

The Axel Springer AG today is one of the major magazine, newspaper and online media companies in Europe with over 230 newspapers and magazines as well as more than 80 online offerings.

Springer's son Axel jr. was born on 7 February 1941, he became a photographer and photo journalist, working under the pseudonym Sven Simon. Sven Simon committed suicide on 3 January 1980 on a park bench in Hamburg.

Manfred Gregor writes that Springer consulted frequently with his astrologer, which probably was Hans Genuit, who also advised on the date for starting 'Bild'.

Axel Springer died in West Berlin on 22 September 1985 at age 73. His heiress was his fifth (and last) wife Friede Springer (born 1942).