Solid year for Südostschweiz Medien
Südostschweiz Medien was able to maintain its operating revenue at a stable level in fiscal year 2011, even though the Swiss media industry was also affected by the financial and euro crises.
Südostschweiz Medien (SOM) achieved slightly higher operating income in the 2011 financial year, according to a press release issued on Friday. Cash flow and annual profit fell compared to 2010 due to higher expenses such as newspaper sales and depreciation. The financial and euro crisis caused problems for SOM, particularly in the area of customer printing. The low Swiss franc exchange rate, the high wage level in Switzerland and higher raw material prices had a negative impact on sales and the costing of printed materials. The advertising business in the Southeastern Switzerland region performed well, although it declined nationally, as did the web agency NewMedia. The electronic media, in particular Radio Grischa, achieved pleasing figures, also contrary to the national trend. The sales figures for some specialist magazines did not develop as expected. In all divisions whose sales expectations could not be met, savings and efficiency improvement programs were implemented in the course of the year.
Print and online from a single source
SOM also significantly strengthened its digital media offerings, as the statement continues. The print online editorial team, which went into operation in February 2011, now serves the daily newspaper Südostschweiz as well as the Internet presence The newly created newsroom provides customers with up-to-date information and allows them to tailor the print and online offering to their needs. This trend was supported by the introduction of a print-online subscription. Apps were also developed for tablet computers and smartphones.
Media house takes shape
Planning for the new media building, which is due to open in two years' time on Chur's Sommeraustrasse near Rossboden, is in full swing. The architects from Maurus Frei Partner Chur/Zurich have been commissioned to implement a media house concept. The media house is being planned with a new three-zone concept, in which not only the journalistic cooperation of the individual media, but also cross-divisional sales and marketing projects will be implemented.
Lebrument and CEO Andrea Masüger.
