Badische Zeitung Pressehaus

In 1946, amidst the rubble of post-war Freiburg, a beacon of hope emerged: the Badische Zeitung. The Badische Zeitung Pressehaus, standing here on Basler Straße, wasn’t always the modern hub it is today. Imagine its first office, a makeshift space in the laundry room of a bombed-out Herder publishing house. The very first edition, printed on February 1st, 1946, was a testament to resilience. It was born from the ashes of the Frankfurter Zeitung, whose revival was blocked by the American occupation forces. Undeterred, former Frankfurter Zeitung employees, including Wendelin Hecht, teamed up with Heinrich Rombach of the Freiburger Nachrichten and Herder publishing house to create something new. The Badische Zeitung Pressehaus we see now is the result of decades of growth and adaptation. Originally published twice a week, with just six to eight pages, the Badische Zeitung quickly gained traction. By 1950, it was published four times a week and by 1951 it had become a daily publication. The paper absorbed the Freiburger Zeitung in 1950, adding “Freiburger Zeitung” to the local section’s title. This merging of publications enriched the Badische Zeitung’s connection to the city. The Badische Zeitung Pressehaus moved to its current location on Basler Straße in 1961, a purpose-built structure reflecting its growing influence. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its adoption of waterless offset printing in 2006, a pioneering move in newspaper production. The Badische Zeitung Pressehaus isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of Freiburg’s enduring spirit. It’s a place where stories are crafted, where local voices are amplified, and where the community connects. The Badische Zeitung’s online presence, including its award-winning platform “fudder,” further extends its reach, ensuring its continued relevance in the digital age.