BaZ editorial team wants clarity from publisher Wagner
The editorial team of the Basler Zeitung reacted on Monday to the fact that Christoph Blocher's company Robinvest has received a consultancy contract from the Baz owners. The editorial team requested a statement from publisher Martin Wagner.
In an open letter, the editorial team wrote that the "political influence" on the Baz implied in the NZZ am Sonntag jeopardized the credibility and journalistic independence and thus the highest good of a newspaper. The "instrumentalization" of the Baz was damaging the newspaper's image. The editorial team called on Wagner to actively assume his responsibility as publisher again. He should also disclose the "true ownership and interests" of the newspaper. In addition, he must stop any political influence on the Baz.
"Guarantee our journalistic independence," the editorial team continued. According to the letter, the continued existence of the Baz would no longer be guaranteed in the event of possible job cuts, as suggested by the NZZ am Sonntag. Furthermore, the editorial team demanded in the unanimously adopted letter that "under these new circumstances" the cooperation with Editor-in-Chief Markus Somm must be reviewed.
"Guarantee our journalistic independence," the editorial team continued. According to the letter, the continued existence of the Baz would no longer be guaranteed in the event of possible job cuts, as suggested by the NZZ am Sonntag. Furthermore, the editorial team demanded in the unanimously adopted letter that "under these new circumstances" the cooperation with Editor-in-Chief Markus Somm must be reviewed.
The editorial team expected the publisher to answer their questions by 6 p.m. on Monday evening. Wagner informed the editorial team on Monday afternoon that he wanted to answer the questions raised on Tuesday morning at nine o'clock, Patrick Künzle from the editorial committee told the SDA news agency.
