Gabriele Neuwirth: A life for Catholic journalism in Austria

Gabriele Neuwirth: A life for Catholic journalism in Austria

The Catholic Association of Journalists mourns the loss of its former chairwoman Gabriele Neuwirth, who died on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Neuwirth, who shaped the association for over 17 years, was considered the first woman at the top and was known for her commitment and tireless work to strengthen Catholic journalism. Sophie Lauringer, the association's new chairwoman, praised Neuwirth's life's work and emphasized that she not only raised the association's profile, but also introduced a job exchange for media professionals, promoted networking and thus made a significant contribution to the media landscape in Austria, as Kathpress reported.

While Neuwirth's illness limited her active role in the last years of her term in office, she was appointed honorary president of the association in order to properly recognize her achievements. The association, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027, currently has 355 members and is open to people of other denominations who belong to the World Council. Sophie Lauringer, who was elected as the new chairwoman on June 19, 2024, previously served as editor-in-chief of the Vienna church newspaper “Der Sonntag”, which demonstrates her deep connection to the Catholic media world, as OTS also reported.

New course under new management

With Lauringer at the helm, the association will continue to offer its events and seminars to support the further development and role of journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape. She receives support from the newly elected deputies Golli Marboe and Wolfgang Machreich as well as from spiritual assistant Matthias Beck. The association remains committed to upholding journalistic standards and giving voice to others working in the Catholic media sector, while also addressing current political and ethical issues.