20 Minuten switches to "video first
20 Minuten is responding to Blick's TV plans and will adopt a «video first» approach going forward, with content produced directly from the newsroom. The video team will be expanded to include additional news reporters and a new production team.
In a statement Thursday, the news portal writes that the switch to "video first" is happening as part of the ongoing development of its moving image strategy, as well as a continuation of its convergent way of working. Starting in early 2020, video content will be supplemented by more live coverage of breaking news and special events. Thus, 20 Minuten is responding to the TV plans of View, as already announced on Sunday (Werbewoche.ch reported).
"Moving image is the biggest growth area of 20 minutes. The video offensive so far has been a success, but the consistent continuation and conversion to 'video first' will require additional investments. We are investing substantially in the expansion of the editorial team as well as in the further development and future viability of our employees - and ultimately in journalism," says Marcel Kohler, Managing Director 20 minutes and member of the Tamedia Management Board.
Gaudenz Looser, Editor-in-Chief of 20 minutesadds: "The need and demand for digital moving image offerings in the 'live' area is growing strongly. We want our readers to feel even more that we are the most up-to-date news medium in Switzerland. With the targeted further development of our video strategy, we want to consolidate and steadily expand our leading position."
Live premiere with ice hockey
A first live broadcast is already planned for December 20, 2019, in cooperation with MySports. The field hockey game between EV Zug and HC Davos will be broadcast exclusively on 20min.ch alongside MySports. The implementation of "Video first" is scheduled to start in February 2020, with full implementation expected to take until summer 2020.
Broadcasting takes place from a studio in the 20 minutes-newsroom in Zurich, glass walls offer users direct insights into the editorial department. The video team from 20 minuteswhich will be supplemented by additional news video journalists and a new production team. Journalists from the editorial team will take over moderation. Furthermore, the local newsrooms in German-speaking Switzerland will be supported by additional video staff.
In a further step, the reporting is to be supplemented with an entertainment program, and the gradual adaptation in French-speaking Switzerland is also planned. In addition to the existing online channels, the content is also to be made available via a smart TV app for the screen at home.
