Dr. Anton Klotz (1889 - 1961)

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Dipl. Ing. Anton v. Hradetzky resistance group in Innsbruck

Short portraits - members of the Hradetzky resistance group

Dr. Ernst Verdross

Dr. Anton Klotz – Journalist, Resistance Fighter, and Media Pioneer

Early Life and Education

Dr. Anton Klotz was born on September 27, 1889, in Tannheim in the Tyrolean Außerfern region. From 1909, he attended high school in Brixen and later studied law at the University of Innsbruck, where he earned his doctorate (Dr. jur.).
During his studies, he joined the Catholic student fraternity Raeto-Bavaria (nickname “Parzival”) and began his career in journalism.

Early Career and World War I

After completing his studies, Klotz worked for the Tyrolia publishing house in Innsbruck. With the outbreak of World War I, he was conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian Army and rose to the rank of reserve first lieutenant.
For his service, he was awarded the Signum Laudis and the Karl Troop Cross.

Journalistic Career and Political Responsibility

After the war, Klotz worked as a journalist in South Tyrol. In 1922, he became editor-in-chief of the “Allgemeiner Tiroler Anzeiger,” the most important Catholic daily newspaper in Tyrol.
In 1936, he was appointed to Vienna by Chancellor Kurt Schuschnigg. There, he headed the Federal Press Service in the Federal Chancellery—clear evidence of his political influence during the authoritarian corporate state period.

Persecution under National Socialism

On March 10, 1938—just two days before the Anschluss of Austria—Klotz was dismissed from his position without notice.
On July 5, 1938, he was taken into protective custody without judicial order and imprisoned in the Vienna police prison. On September 24, 1938, he was deported to the concentration camp Buchenwald concentration camp.
He remained imprisoned there from September 25, 1938, until May 8, 1941. The reason for his incarceration was his clear journalistic opposition to National Socialism.

Resistance and Activities in Tyrol

After his release, Klotz returned to Tyrol and settled in Hall in Tyrol, where he joined the resistance against the Nazi regime.
He worked closely with Ernst Verdross and was part of the resistance group led by Anton von Hradetzky in Innsbruck.

New Beginning after 1945 and Tiroler Tageszeitung

After the end of World War II, Klotz was recognized by the Allied occupation authorities—particularly the Americans and the French—as a committed opponent of National Socialism.
He was appointed founding editor-in-chief of the Tiroler Tageszeitung and played a decisive role in shaping Tyrol’s post-war media landscape.

Death and Legacy

Dr. Anton Klotz remained editor-in-chief of the Tiroler Tageszeitung until his death in 1961. His life stands as a powerful example of journalistic integrity, political courage, and active resistance against the Nazi regime.