Friedrich Dungl takes the leadership of the association of regional media!

Friedrich Dungl takes the leadership of the association of regional media!

Österreich - Friedrich Dungl will become the new managing director of the regional media association (VRM) from October 1, 2025. He takes over the position of Dieter Henrich, who will retire after more than two decades at the head of the association in 2026. During this transition period, Dungl will set the course for the future of the VRM, a central advocacy group for regional and free newspapers in Austria.

The association has established itself as a umbrella organization that not only organizes joint advertising and market research for around 240 newspapers with a total circulation of almost 8 million copies, but also represents the employer interests of its members. Dungl was pleased with the upcoming collaboration with the VRM and its members and emphasized that his passion for media was a crucial reason for his change. President Josef Gruber praised Dungls extensive practical experience and his network in the media, politics and business.

The way to VRM

Friedrich Dungl looks back on an impressive career in the media industry. After completing his studies and first professional stations, he worked as a senior business consultant at Strg.at, where he was responsible for digitization projects in the media and industry. Of particular note is his role as the founder of the first online portal of the Austrian Agrarverlag in 1997 and as a founding manager of the "Austrian farmers' newspaper in 2001.

The experienced industry expert also has many years of experience from the Board of Directors of the VRM, in which he worked from 2002 to 2020, including vice president from 2007 to 2020. These skills and the incoming understanding of the industry are crucial for the future orientation of the association, especially at a time when the media landscape is subject to constant changes.

important role of the VRM

The VRM plays a central role in the Austrian media landscape, especially for the promotion of fact -based advertising planning. With a net range of around 66 %, the association reaches two thirds of the Austrians: inside over 14 years, which have recently been read at least one issue of a member newspaper. This illustrates the importance of regional media in daily information.

In addition to representing the interests of its members, the association is actively involved in important industry organizations in the advertising industry and the media industry. Through the cooperation with the arge media-analysen , which was founded in 1965, the association receives access to comprehensive media reach and target group data that are of great importance for the advertising industry.

Overall, Dungl's change of leadership in the VRM is perceived as an opportunity to further strengthen the advocacy of the regional media and to meet a constantly changing media landscape. Dungl himself promised close cooperation with Dieter Henrich to ensure the continuity of the management and ensure that the challenges that were already identified in the run -up to the change of management are tackled together.