Franz Josef Wagner (born 7 August 1943 in Olomouc) is a German author and journalist.
He was editor-in-chief of Bild, Germany's largest newspaper, launched Elle magazine's German edition, and has written a number of books, one of which was adapted for television.
After finishing his schooling, Wagner worked for the Nürnberger Zeitung [de], one of Germany's oldest daily newspapers.
In 1966 Wagner joined the Axel Springer media company in Hamburg.
During this stint at Axel Springer, Wagner was for a time a war correspondent.