The owner, editor and publisher of the “Salzburger Nachrichten” died in Salzburg at the age of 77.
The industry mourns the loss of someone for whom newspaper production was not just a business, but a lifelong passion. Max Dasch was concerned with freedom of the press and solid journalism, which he considered essential for the preservation of a liberal democracy. For him, it was about his team, and even in bad times he was happy to give them something extra out of conviction – not just a bonus, but also more appreciation. Dasch knew the importance of a politically independent, quality newspaper. He knew that high-quality journalism arises in a living biotope in which lively exchange and benevolent cooperation ensure balance.
He protected this biotope from outside attacks throughout his life – as the owner, publisher and editor of the “Salzburger Nachrichten”. “He had a big heart for his employees,” was one of the appreciative tributes heard after it was announced that Dasch had died at the age of 77. He will be missed not only at the “SN”, but also in the publishers’ association VÖZ, of which he was president from 1997 to 2001 and where he was valued as a social partner by journalists.
Dasch thought in generations
Born on June 15, 1946 in Salzburg as the son of “SN” co-founder Max Dasch (1903–1977), Max Dasch initially studied philosophy with Jürgen Habermas, among others, before learning the newspaper trade at the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”. He then joined the “Salzburger Nachrichten” as advertising manager, of which he became managing director three years later. From 1982 he also acted as editor. Dasch was also involved as a member of the supervisory board and board of directors of the Austria Press Agency and, among other things, supported the founding of the Media Analyzes association.
Max Dasch was an old-school publisher. Someone who, like his father, thought in terms of generations. In 1979 he founded Salzburger Verlagshaus GmbH, which publishes six regional weekly newspapers. From 1989 he expanded the “SN” from a regional newspaper to a national daily newspaper. The Salzburg printing center was opened in 1991 and the new editorial building on Karolingerstraße was opened in 1994. With foresight, he brought his son – his name is also Max Dasch – into the management of “SN” in 2013. Now it’s up to him to carry on the family legacy.
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