Bernard Maissen to Become President of the Swiss Press Council

Bernard Maissen Takes Over as Head of the Press Council

In early June 2026, the Board of Trustees of the «Swiss Press Council» Foundation elected Bernard Maissen as its new chairman. The former director of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) succeeds Daniel Hitzig, who stepped down in early May. Bernard Maissen brings to his role at the Press Council a comprehensive understanding of the Swiss media landscape from a wide variety of perspectives—as a journalist and a long-time leader in public institutions.

Widespread presence in the media industry

Bernard Maissen served as director of Bakom until his regular retirement in the spring of 2026. Prior to that, he served as deputy director of the Media Division at the same agency. Before joining Bakom, he was editor-in-chief and a member of the executive board of the Swiss News Agency (SDA), now known as «Keystone-SDA.» Maissen also worked as a journalist in various roles for the «Bündner Zeitung» and served as editor-in-chief of the SRG’s Romansh-language radio station. This combination of editorial experience, leadership experience in government, and a national network spanning all regions of the country is likely to make him particularly well-qualified for the new role, according to the press release.

Maissen on the Role of the Press Council

«I am pleased to be working alongside the members of the Swiss Press Council as part of a dedicated committee to help safeguard and further develop this important institution,» says Maissen. «The Press Council helps foster trust in the Swiss media industry, which is currently facing major challenges while also needing to capitalize on the opportunities presented by new technologies.»

The Foundation Board would like to thank outgoing President Daniel Hitzig for his dedication to the Swiss Press Council.

For more information about the Swiss Press Council, visit: https://www.presserat.ch