Mathias Döpfner, chief executive of German publisher Axel Springer, has outlined an apocalyptic vision for old media, warning many traditional companies will die, unless they reach agreement with the dominant technology groups.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Döpfner says he was encouraged by the European Commission’s new rules on copyright, which will give news publishers the right to demand a fee from internet platforms such as Google and Facebook when they use their content.
But he warns that unless a change in the legal framework in Europe was accompanied by a shift in attitude from the Silicon Valley groups, then the consequences for publishers and society could be devastating.