Tamedia plans "Bern model"
In the canton of Zurich, the «Bern model»—featuring two newspapers under one publisher—is set to be introduced. The Zurich-based media group Tamedia plans to launch a second cantonal newspaper alongside the *Tages-Anzeiger* following its acquisition of the regional newspapers.
It is not yet clear who will take part. In addition to the regional newspapers, negotiations are also being held with the Winterthur paper Der Landbote and the Schaffhauser Nachrichten. Tamedia holds a 20 percent stake in Landbote. The partners must agree to the model, as Martin Kall, Chairman of the Management Board, told the media in Zurich on Thursday, according to SDA. Where these negotiations will lead is completely open. A decision should be made by the end of the year. Tamedia has two newspapers in mind that are journalistically different, as Kall went on to say. He described the "Bern model" as a "clever model". Something like this should also be possible in the canton of Zurich.
Tamedia does not want to change the regionalization of the Tages-Anzeiger, emphasized Kall. The splits had not been launched in the fight against the regional newspapers. The local information is important and interesting for readers. NZZ and Tamedia were not yet able to say anything about possible job cuts at either the Thurgauer Zeitung or the Zürcher Landzeitungen. There will be savings, but where and how is still open, said Kall.
The Competition Commission has nothing to say about the deal, as the notifiable turnover thresholds have not been reached. The deal is therefore effective immediately.
Tamedia does not want to change the regionalization of the Tages-Anzeiger, emphasized Kall. The splits had not been launched in the fight against the regional newspapers. The local information is important and interesting for readers. NZZ and Tamedia were not yet able to say anything about possible job cuts at either the Thurgauer Zeitung or the Zürcher Landzeitungen. There will be savings, but where and how is still open, said Kall.
The Competition Commission has nothing to say about the deal, as the notifiable turnover thresholds have not been reached. The deal is therefore effective immediately.
