Infosperber.ch wants to cultivate independent journalism
Infosperber.ch, a new information platform, was launched on Tuesday. Behind it is the non-profit "Swiss Foundation for the Promotion of Independent Information" SSUI, which aims to promote independent journalism in Switzerland.
Infosperber.ch is not under pressure from ratings, readership figures or financially strong lobbies, the foundation writes on its website. The platform sets itself the goal of weighting solely according to social or political relevance. The intention is not to compete with the dominant media, but to supplement mainstream media, which are all too PR-heavy and place a high emphasis on entertainment, with relevant information, it continues. There is also room for media criticism.
Independent and committed journalists as well as experts are to be offered a platform for research, overlooked or neglected information and pointed commentary. Members of the editorial team and experts can add editorial content to articles on the website. Infosperger does not pay the authors any fees for their articles. However, as the foundation writes on its website, it is possible to compensate for rights of use and actual expenses.
The contents are freely available to the public. The texts may also be redistributed free of charge, provided the source is acknowledged. The website was financed by the foundation. For running costs and journalistic research, it relies on donations from the readership.
For the time being, the imprint lists nine experts and 31 journalists who regularly or occasionally contribute to the editorial work. Others are welcome, provided they support the platform's journalistic orientation. The editorial board consists of Robert Ruoff, Niklaus Ramseyer, Christian Müller and Urs P. Gasche, President of the Foundation Board. Another member, Rafael E. Perez Süess, is responsible for IT.
