Ringier/Tamedia: Swap of Le Temps and Le Matin?
Apparently, the two media houses Ringier and Tamedia are planning to swap their newspapers Le Temps and Le Matin as well as the Internet portal Lematin.ch This is what Die Nordwestschweiz writes.
Le Matin Dimanche is not the subject of the negotiations between Ringier CEO Marc Walder and Tamedia CEO Christoph Tonini. The Sunday paper is to remain in Tamedia hands regardless of the outcome of the talks. However, the groups would not confirm the joint plans. When asked, Ringer wrote: "We are constantly examining new, interesting business opportunities - but do not comment on industry rumors." Tamedia spokesman Christoph Zimmer's statement was along the same lines: "We are constantly discussing a variety of ideas with a wide range of partners. However, we do not comment on rumors."
According to Nordwestschweiz, financial considerations are also said to be behind the newspaper swap. Ringier expects synergies in the advertising business if Blick and Le Matin are marketed together. The titles could also cooperate editorially, especially in sports reporting.
Both newspapers are struggling with a decline in advertising and circulation. Le Matin, for example, still had a circulation of 55'000 copies in 2012 - almost a third less than seven years earlier. Le Temps printed 41'000 copies a day last year - twelve percent less than in 2005. In March, there were already fears that Le Matin would close (Werbewoche.ch reported). (Northwestern Switzerland/uma)
Imprint demands journalists' say
Should Ringier and Tamedia re-divide the press market in French-speaking Switzerland, Imprint is demanding that journalists have a say, the association wrote in a statement on Sunday. It is following developments closely and demands that the editorial offices of the titles be consulted, as stipulated by the co-determination rights in the CCT collective labor agreement. Full transparency is expected from the publishers. This is now a particular priority when decisions are made in Zurich that affect the press in French-speaking Switzerland.
On the subject:
Tamedia: Meeting with Geneva and Vaud governments - Le Matin will not be closed down
Protest against Tamedia savings plans in Western Switzerland
French-speaking Switzerland protests against Tamedia
Teaser image: Lematin.ch
