Dolphinarium experts predict Republic to have a short life expectancy

The support for the "Republic" idea, which exceeded all expectations, demonstrates that there is more than substantial interest in sophisticated reporting and that media consumers are quite prepared to pay for media content that was available free of charge in recent years. Nevertheless, the chances of survival for the new title are assessed as cautious. This is the result of an expert survey conducted by Publicom.

The first issues of Republik are eagerly awaited. The online magazine completed its first round of financing extremely successfully and with just as much publicity.

Expansion rather than renewal of the business model

Experts rate criticism of the status quo and comprehensive reporting on "big issues" as significantly less important for Republik subscribers. Republik promises its readership enlightened "no bullshit" journalism and the complete absence of advertising. However, Republik's sponsorship model and its return to the social function of journalism are not unique. Countless online formats are being tested around the world to fill the vacuum of responsibility left by major publishers.

While the expert panel largely agrees with the assessment that Republik is benefiting from the current media disenchantment, an almost equally large proportion of the panel rejects the statement that Republik's relevance is fed solely by distrust of the establishment. However, hope in Republik is linked to cautious prospects for survival: Only one in six experts believes that Republik will be successful for more than five years - one in four expects it to last no more than two.

Under the term Delphinarium, Publicom, a company specializing in media research and consulting, publishes the results of a survey of experts twice a year. The panel includes forty experts from leading media companies as well as representatives from advertising, media journalism, communications science and corporate communications.