RTL launches new channel

With the new channel Nitro, set to launch on April 1, RTL is launching a new free-to-air TV channel focused on feature films and TV series.

The new channels will show premieres and repeats of feature films and productions from the crime and sitcom genres. Right at the start, free TV premieres such as the U.S. sitcom "Modern Family," the series "Nurse Jackie" and the crime series "Chase" will be on the schedule. RTL Nitro's programming can be received free of charge with a digital satellite receiver via Astra 19° on the frequency 12188 MHz (horizontal). According to O-ton.ch, it is not yet clear when and whether the channel will also be available on Swiss cable networks and Swisscom TV.

 

Gemi January 2012: Adscreen and Internet recover

Following a slump in advertising pressure in December 2011, Adscreen and the Internet can once again report more optimistic data at the start of the new year. The overall market and electronic media as a whole are stable.

While Adscreen and Internet were among the biggest losers in December 2011, falling by 19 and 14 index points respectively, they were among the real winners in January 2012. The two media are still posting losses, but far less than in the previous month. Adscreen lost only 2 index points at 415 (417), while Internet was down 7 index points at 661 (668).

TV gained one index point to 593 (592) and radio even increased its advertising pressure by 3 index points to 344 (341). Teletext lost 2 points and, as in the previous month, was down at 103 (105) index points.

The overall market and the electronic media as a whole are stable: in contrast to the overall market, which lost one point with 223 (224) index points, the electronic media gained one point with 584 (583) index points.
 

Weko opens investigation against SDA

On February 22, 2012, the Competition Commission (Weko) launched an investigation into the Swiss News Agency (SDA). The preliminary investigation revealed evidence of improper conduct on the part of the SDA.

The investigation will show whether SDA abused its possible dominant position by hindering competitors, the Weko said in a statement. The preliminary investigation found evidence that SDA's pricing system was designed to weaken competitors, force them out of the market and at the same time prevent other news agencies from entering the Swiss market, it said. In particular, the Weko is investigating the circumstances that led to the discontinuation of the business activities of SDA's competitor AP Schweiz as of February 2010. In this context, SDA's discount policy with the granting of exclusivity discounts, as well as the tying of offers, are of particular interest. In addition, the investigation will examine whether the pricing system also disadvantaged or disadvantaged customers.

SDA remains calm
 

The management of the SDA assures the Weko of its full support, according to a report by the dispatch agency. It had already provided all the requested information on time during the preliminary investigation and granted full transparency. As a national news agency owned by the Swiss media, the equal treatment of all media and a transparent tariff system are very important to it. This must enable the production of three equivalent services in German, French and Italian at the same prices, irrespective of the respective market size. SDA did not believe that it had violated the Cartel Act with its pricing and discount policy or that it had exploited a possible dominant position in the market, since the customers controlled the agency through the Board of Directors.
 

Oscars 2012: Al Walser reports for Radio 105

The youth radio station Radio 105 will be broadcasting live from Los Angeles throughout the week, bringing listeners all the latest news, in-depth reports, and the excitement surrounding the Oscars.

The best films and the most important nominees will be discussed throughout Oscar week, the radio station writes in a statement. Exclusively on location for Radio 105 is presenter and Los Angeles connoisseur Al Walser. He repeatedly joins the 105 program to provide stories about the Oscars. According to the statement, Al Walser has access to areas "that are otherwise denied to the normal public, but also to many journalists".

The Oscars on 105 are sponsored by Foto-shooting.ch.
 

Draftfcb/Lowe Group: Topless, Bottom Mini

Draftfcb/Lowe Group created the current campaign for Mini's open-top two-seater. In addition to the international TV commercial, the campaign features posters, a radio spot, a direct mail campaign, various online advertising materials, and a Facebook game.

Thus, one can use the Mini Roadster Co-Pilot Challenge on Facebook to take their friends on a ride in the new Mini Roadster. Users can not only choose from 24 outfits for the pilot and co-pilot, but also from twelve different locations. All virtual trips are posted as souvenir photos. The main prize is a weekend for Mini fans at the Mini United Festival 2012. The campaign can be seen throughout Switzerland until mid-March.

> To the radio spot (mp3)

Responsible at Mini: Carol Hochuli (Head of Mini), Eveline Bauert (Head of Communication Mini).Responsible at Draftfcb/Lowe Group: Dennis Lück (ECD), Frédéric Nogier (AD), Tizian Walti, Boris Beuckmann (text), Daniel Tschanz (CD Online), Rolf Jeger, Nina Marti, Melanie Herbst (consulting), Grunwald (production).

mini1
mini2
mini3
mini4

Starting signal for the Crea 2012

In the battle for new agency business, tactics and the right presentation are key. To test their mettle under real-world conditions, the agency management consulting firm Cherrypicker is now inviting all interested agencies to enter the ring for the 2012 Crea Credential Award.

The award for the best agency self-presentation is already entering its tenth round this year. Agencies from all disciplines based in Germany, Austria and Switzerland can apply until May 15, 2012. All self-marketing measures used by agencies to attract new business or employees will be judged. The new categories are "Planning" and "Social Media".

A two-stage selection process has proven its worth within the Crea: In the first step, the persuasiveness of all submitted communication tools and campaigns is assessed from the perspective of the agency target group, i.e. the marketing and communication managers. The shortlist is determined on this basis. A live presentation of the finalists then takes place in the second jury session. This gives the competition its particular realism.

> Further information on Crea 2012
 

Penelope Kühnis becomes "Tagesschau" presenter

Penelope Kühnis is the new anchor for the «Tagesschau» at noon, at 6 p.m., and at night. She is expected to take over from Catherine Mettler in May 2012.

The 37-year-old from Aargau joined the AG/SO regional editorial team of Schweizer Radio DRS in 2001, and from 2007 to spring 2008 she was part of the newsroom in Bern. Since then, she has been the correspondent for Aargau and Solothurn.

 

Bernese tourism organizations and Sky Work Airlines join forces

To capitalize on synergies and enhance the international profile of the Bern region and the Bernese Oberland, the Bern-based airline Sky Work Airlines and the tourism organizations of Bern, Interlaken, and Jungfrau are entering into a partnership.

Being strong together. Bern Tourism, Interlaken Tourism, the Jungfrau Region and Sky Work Airlines have been working together according to this motto since the beginning of 2012, the airline writes in a press release. For example, a joint advertising presence is being created and various media trips and roadshows abroad are being organized. The aim of this alliance is to raise awareness of Sky Work Airlines destinations and promote the attractiveness of the Bern region abroad. Foreign visitors to the city of Bern and the Bernese Oberland should be able to reach their destinations directly from Bern-Belp Airport without long journeys and waiting times, whether they are on vacation or doing business.
 

Facelift for "All-in-One Set" 2012

After twelve editions, the «All-in-One Set for Marketing and Media» has undergone a facelift. While the content remains unchanged, the 2012 edition is more compact, practical, and easier to navigate.

The plastic folder has been dispensed with, according to a press release from the Swiss Media Association. Instead, a fold-out holder was attached to the back of the cardboard cover for filing in the folder.

The "All-in-One Set" has a firm place in vocational schools and training institutes and has become an indispensable teaching aid for courses. Its centerpiece is the Best Practice Atlas with short portraits of all standard studies relevant to media planning. This reference work has also proved its worth for practitioners and is therefore frequently consulted.

The set is available in German and French at a retail price of CHF 35 on the Internet at Bestpractice.ch can be ordered. Special prices are available for bulk orders and for members of the Swiss Media Association.
 

Sven Epiney and Monika Schärer soon out of the picture

Two familiar faces will no longer be appearing regularly on SF: Monika Schärer will host the movie magazine show «Box Office» for the last time at the end of February, and Sven Epiney will also be leaving the early-evening lineup this summer when the quiz show «5 gegen 5» ends.

This is reported by the TV magazines Tele and TV-Star in their latest issues. From February 29, "Box Office" will have a new slot, a new presenter and will appeal to a younger audience. According to Tele and TV-Star, "5 against 5" will not be followed by a cooking show, as was recently reported, but a new Quizwhich will no longer be hosted by Epiney. However, the 40-year-old will continue to appear in major SF shows.

schaerer_2

(Pictures: Keystone/Sf.tv)

Mona Vetsch and Nik Hartmann present the Swiss Television Award 2012

Mona Vetsch and Nik Hartmann present the Swiss Television Prize of Blick and Tele together. Blick and Tele, which will be awarded for the first time this year as part of the Rose d'Or Festival.

The 36-year-old Mona Vetsch's career to date has been characterized by great variety and even greater success, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. Whether radio, entertainment shows, reports or the new "Club" on SF - wherever Vetsch appears, she receives applause from the audience.

Nik Hartmann is not only the guarantor of success for numerous "SF bi de Lüt" formats, but also an outstanding entertainer, it continues. Whether he appears in hiking boots or a tuxedo - whatever the 39-year-old tackles is a success.

The Swiss Television Award honors nationally outstanding achievements in the categories of broadcast, film, innovation and star. In addition, a personality from film and television is honored annually with the Lifetime Award. The Swiss Television Awards are organized by Blick and Tele. The award ceremony will take place on May 6, 2012 as the opening event of the festival at the KKL Lucerne.

> The Swiss Television Award opens the Rose d'Or Festival

 

PPR Media Relations adds infographics to its offering

PPR Media Relations is expanding its range of services with a new offering: custom graphics. The PR agency now creates graphics for its clients that illustrate complex figures, data, and relationships.

Making complicated things simple, reducing information to the essentials - this is becoming increasingly important in the media information overload, the agency said in a press release. What's more, visual presentation is the most important way for recipients to absorb information.

PPR Media Relations cooperates with the Austrian news agency APA, which takes care of the graphic implementation. Content and topics are specified by the client. The infographics can be used by companies for their press work as well as for presentations, employee and customer magazines, brochures or for their own websites.
 

get_footer();