At the Kordiam Editorial Days 2025, one presentation spotlighted Heise’s practical approach to bringing performance data into editorial planning. Through an integration between Upscore and Kordiam, the newsroom now uses audience analytics directly within their content planning platform. Presented by Nina Berger from Upscore, along with Kai Wasserbäch and Jan Mahn from Heise Medien, the session offered a look into how Heise is making audience insights part of everyday newsroom workflows.
Heise’s Challenge: Connecting Insights to Action
Like many publishers, Heise faces the ongoing challenge of keeping journalism relevant, efficient, and financially sustainable, all without adding complexity to editorial work. The solution? Bring real-time data into the place where decisions are made, not after publication.
By integrating Kordiam with Upscore, Heise brought performance metrics directly into their editorial planning workflow. The goal wasn’t just better reporting. It was more audience-focused planning, clearer editorial priorities, and faster feedback for editors and writers.
How It Works in the Newsroom
Heise’s editorial teams are beginning to integrate post-publication performance data into their planning tool. Through a prototype developed with Upscore and Kordiam, they can now view key metrics such as article views and conversions directly within their planning environment without having to switch systems or search dashboards.
What the Integration Enables
The initiative was a joint effort between Heise, Upscore, and Kordiam. Heise can now access relevant performance signals in the same space where they plan and coordinate coverage, making it easier to identify strong topics and inform future decisions. The result is a connected workflow that helps editors stay focused on audience needs while maintaining speed and editorial control.
As Berger noted, the transformation isn’t just about access to data, it’s about usability. The most valuable insights are the ones that support real decisions, in real time.
Why It Matters
Heise’s approach shows what’s possible when data is treated not as an afterthought, but as a strategic asset. It’s a model other publishers can learn from, build around real workflows, support teams with the right tools, and focus on empowering editorial decision-making.
This session was a clear reminder that the future of newsroom strategy isn’t just digital. It’s integrated, audience-focused, and deeply tied to how stories are planned.
