Press Council: Covert research by "K-Tipp" not justified
A «K-Tipp» reporter who infiltrated the health insurer Groupe Mutuel as an intermediary went too far with his «undercover» operation. The Press Council criticizes him, noting that he could have obtained the information openly.
The case, in the style of German investigative journalist Günter Wallraff, dates back to May. The journalist was recruited by the insurance company Groupe Mutuel to research an article on the quick bleach for insurance brokers and signed a cooperation agreement. He was subsequently invited to a four-hour course, which he reported on in the May 6 edition of the consumer magazine. Prior to this, the "K- Tipp" editorial manager had informed the health insurance company about the assignment and the publication. At the same time, he informed the health insurance company of the termination of the "mediator".
Groupe Mutuel then lodged a complaint with the Swiss Press Council, which upheld it. Undercover research is justified in exceptional cases if there is an overriding public interest in the information and it cannot be obtained in any other way. In this specific case, however, the journalist could have obtained the information openly. The aggressive sales methods of the brokers were also well known, particularly those of Groupe Mutuel. It is in the public's interest to be warned of such machinations. However, the undercover investigation brought little new information to light.
Groupe Mutuel then lodged a complaint with the Swiss Press Council, which upheld it. Undercover research is justified in exceptional cases if there is an overriding public interest in the information and it cannot be obtained in any other way. In this specific case, however, the journalist could have obtained the information openly. The aggressive sales methods of the brokers were also well known, particularly those of Groupe Mutuel. It is in the public's interest to be warned of such machinations. However, the undercover investigation brought little new information to light.
Verdict not comprehensible for K-Tipp
K-Tipp writes in a statement that the ruling is incomprehensible. Until now, the Press Council has tended to support undercover research. Groupe Mutuel is one of the largest Swiss health insurance companies. Hundreds of millions in commissions are paid in the brokerage business at the expense of premium payers. The topic is a hot topic and is important. An editor was sent to the site to highlight the shoddy training, the report continues. This would not have been possible without attending the course in person. K-Tipp reports first-hand and does not accept any information that cannot be verified. Undercover investigations are therefore unavoidable in such cases.
