Imprint expresses concern about possible takeover of BaZ by Tamedia
The journalists« association Impressum fears that if the Basler Zeitung were to be taken over by Tamedia, it would face the threat of »uniformity from Zurich” and the loss of editorial independence.
"Politicized commentary or standard pap from Zurich? Either way: Basel deserves more", writes Impressum in a press release on Wednesday. The apparently imminent sale of the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) to Tamedia harbors dangers.
If the sale is confirmed, it is to be feared that the BaZ like the Confederation and the Bernese Newspaper would become "front pages", writes the association. The Basel-based editorial team would then be reduced to the local news section and the rest would be sourced from the central editorial office in Zurich, according to Impressum. This is the strategy that Tamedia is pursuing with its regional newspapers, writes the association.
As a result, there are fears of "several job losses" at the Basel editorial office and a further reduction in the diversity of information. (pd/hae)
