This page explains how Wochenfokus (wochenfokus.de), an independent Swedish digital news publisher owned by Donau Media OÜ, is funded and how we handle advertising and affiliate links. Our editorial decisions are never influenced by commercial relationships. For details on our broader ownership and funding model, see our ownership and funding page.
How is Wochenfokus funded?
Wochenfokus is funded through display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, and content licensing. No single revenue source determines our editorial direction. Donau Media OÜ, registered in Gibraltar with a registered office in Tallinn, maintains full financial oversight. Every sponsored or commercial item is clearly labelled so you can distinguish it from independent journalism. For a complete breakdown, please visit ownership and funding.
What are affiliate links and how do we use them?
Affiliate links are special URLs that may earn Wochenfokus a small commission if you purchase a product or service after clicking them. We use these links only where they add genuine value for our readers – for example, in product reviews or comparisons. The commission does not affect the price you pay, and we always disclose that a link is an affiliate link. Our editorial team, led by Chefredaktör Oliver Böhm, evaluates whether to include such links; they are never used to favour a product or service. If you have questions about a specific link, contact partnerships@wochenfokus.de.
How does display advertising work on our site?
We display advertisements through third‑party networks and direct commercial partnerships. These ads are served on our website and in our newsletter. Advertisers cannot influence the placement of ads near specific articles, nor can they shape editorial content. Our fact‑checking team under Birgit Weiß ensures that no misleading or deceptive advertising appears. For advertising enquiries, write to advertising@wochenfokus.de. For partnership opportunities, contact partnerships@wochenfokus.de.
What is your policy on sponsored content?
Sponsored content is material that a commercial partner pays us to produce or publish. It is always clearly marked as “sponsored” or “paid promotion” so you can distinguish it from our independent reporting. Our editorial team, including Redaktionschef Anna Heinrich, reviews all sponsored pieces to ensure they meet our standards for accuracy and transparency. Sponsored content never carries a byline of our regular reporters, and commercial partners have no editorial control. You can read the full rules in our sponsored content policy.
What you can expect from us
You can expect that every funding source is transparent, that commercial labels are never hidden, and that our journalism remains independent. Our team of named writers, editors and fact‑checkers – detailed on our team page – ensures that content is accurate and fair. If a piece includes affiliate links, you will see a disclosure. If an article is sponsored, it will be labelled. We never allow advertisers to dictate conclusions or omit facts. Our editorial mission, as set out in our editorial policy, puts readers’ trust first.
How do you ensure editorial independence from commercial interests?
Editorial independence is guaranteed by our internal policies and the structure of Donau Media OÜ. Commercial relationships – whether display advertising, affiliate programmes or sponsorships – never determine what we cover or how we frame a story. Chefredaktör Oliver Böhm has the final say on publication decisions and corrections. Any staff member who feels commercial pressure can escalate the issue via our complaints procedure, detailed in our complaints procedure. We also publish an AI and automation policy to clarify how digital tools support – but never replace – human editorial judgement.
Questions or concerns?
If you have a question about a specific advertisement, an affiliate link, or any potential conflict of interest, please contact our dedicated teams. For advertising and commercial partnerships, write to advertising@wochenfokus.de or partnerships@wochenfokus.de. For editorial concerns or complaints about sponsored content, use editorial@wochenfokus.de. General queries can be sent to info@wochenfokus.de. You can also find more details on our contact page.