Pop stars are not exactly known for their modesty. Especially not the hip-hop stars among the pop stars. And among them, Curtis Jackson Jr. is probably the least likely to be associated with the term modesty. After all, for years, the big-headed, the almighty was part of his recipe for success: the man who was shot through by nine bullets on May 24, 2000 and miraculously survived, dominated the charts with big sounds and gestures. Since he made his breakthrough four years ago with the support of hit producer Dr. Dre, he has been spoiled by almost fabulous success. Tens of millions of records sold, sold-out concert tours and an almost lonely place at the top of the hip-hop charts have accompanied his unique rise to fame. But those days are over: a far more versatile artist called Kanye West has overtaken the gangsta rapper, the invulnerable art figure has lost much of its appeal and the computer skills of his young fans have caused sales to stall. Despite lucrative advertising contracts and a fortune that will feed his family for generations, 50 Cent demonstrated last week before his concert in Zurich's Hallenstadion that this does not leave him cold. Instead of always being on time, as he used to be, he turned up almost two hours late for the interview and then grumbled: "Why am I still talking to you media people at all? I'm not selling a single CD because of this. You'd better come up with something to combat Internet piracy. Otherwise I'll soon be asking for money for every interview!" - The frustration runs deep.

 Ringier is making further inroads into the digital sector: The publishing house is acquiring 80 percent of the shares in Media Swiss Group. This group of companies specializes in online marketplaces and cross-media services. With 350 employees, it operates the Scout24 marketplaces and the Gate24 directories, among others. According to Ringier, the takeover, the purchase price of which has not been disclosed, will make Ringier the leading Swiss publishing house in the electronic media sector. The Zurich-based publisher has a stake in all of the Swiss Media Groupe's business divisions. In addition to Scout24 and Gate24, this also includes the subsidiaries active in advertising marketing, cross-media and technology.
By combining editorial platforms and commercial portals, Ringier aims to secure a good position in the increasingly convergent print and online market. Through the takeover, the media group is securing a share of the fast-growing electronic classifieds business. Access to the local and regional online advertising business is to be made possible for the Blick Group in particular. In future, Ringier intends to combine journalistic content more closely with commercial online portals. This model also applies to activities abroad.
Apparently
Ringier also intends to venture more strongly into the radio and television business: the takeover and Ringier's existing know-how will open up future-oriented prospects for IP TV and for the distribution of newly developed and existing radio programs via the Internet and mobile, according to the press release. The Media Swiss Group will continue to be managed operationally by Dölf Früh, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Media Swiss, and his business partner Daniel Grossen, founder and CEO of Scout24 Switzerland. The two entrepreneurs will retain a 20 percent stake. The company is expecting sales of 75 million Swiss francs in the current year. Media Swiss took over Xmedia, which operates the Scout24 online platforms, at the beginning of the year. The group of companies has branches in Flamatt FR, Teufen AR and Urdorf ZH.

The Geneva-based agency Saatchi & Saatchi Simko has brought on former Publicis CEO Kaspar Loeb as CEO and is shaking up the German-speaking Swiss market with a Zurich branch. Pedro Simko and Kaspar Loeb discuss the right chemistry, the shortage of German-Swiss advertising professionals in French-speaking Switzerland, and their plan not to take on Publicis. Mr. Simko, you’re bringing in a new CEO, Kaspar Loeb, starting next year. Why did you decide to make this structural change? Pedro Simko: We’ve grown significantly recently, so we need additional leadership. The international Saatchi & Saatchi network has been urging me for some time to take on additional responsibilities. But I didn’t want to do that until I knew the agency was in the right hands. I knew I had to snap up Kaspar Loeb now, otherwise he would have taken on another role. How will you divide up the responsibilities so that you don’t step on each other’s toes? Simko: Kaspar Loeb will, in line with his role as CEO, manage the day-to-day operations. He’ll make all operational decisions. But wherever necessary, I’ll also be there for my clients. I’m used to a clear «bottom-up» approach from my time at Procter & Gamble: I work for people, not the other way around. Mr. Loeb, what appeals to you about this position? Kaspar Loeb: I believe you couldn’t find a better role right now than taking on responsibility within this network. The mindset it embodies is rare. The atmosphere in the Geneva office is also very different: significantly more international—that fascinates me. Besides, Pedro Simko and I work well together: the chemistry is right. Unlike your last position at Publicis? Loeb: Well, it’s probably no secret that Fredy Collioud and I disagreed on some things. Now I’m confident that Pedro Simko and I will get along very well. Did you consider other offers? Loeb: Yes, I had two or three other offers—one from the advertising industry and another in the consulting sector. Saatchi & Saatchi Simko is opening a branch in Zurich. You’d always said that you could run the business well from Geneva—so why the expansion into Zurich now? Simko: I already had an office in Zurich with my agency before we merged with Saatchi & Saatchi. But the circumstances were different back then: With an owner-managed agency, it’s essential for the owner to be on site. Afterward, I realized that the business could also be managed very well from Geneva. Now the conditions have changed again: due to the merger with Saatchi & Saatchi and the fact that we’ve now reached the necessary scale. What are the benefits of having a branch in Zurich? Simko: The decision to expand to Zurich is a strategic move, not a short-term measure. Our network is fully behind it. It was becoming increasingly difficult for us to recruit the necessary Swiss talent in Geneva. We employ people from all over the world. Australians were willing to come to us—but many German-speaking Swiss were not. That’s why we figured it made more sense to do something for the German-speaking Swiss in Zurich rather than drag these people all the way to Geneva. After the BSW rankings were announced, we received many applications from German-speaking Switzerland—though with the note that they would very much like to apply for a potential branch office in Zurich. So serving clients in German-speaking Switzerland isn’t the main focus of your expansion to Zurich? Simko: Yes, it is. Of course, serving our clients will be easier once we’re in Zurich. How big will your office in Zurich be? Loeb: We’ll start with about 10 to 15 people initially and expand as needed. You plan to launch in Zurich in early 2008. Do you already have office space? Loeb: No, we’re still looking. If anyone knows a good real estate agent, please let us know (laughs). Some people were surprised that you ranked second in the new BSW ranking. Could it be that your agency hasn’t received enough attention in Switzerland so far? Simko: Yes, I’m convinced of that. We’ve multiplied our revenue over the past two years, won numerous awards, and our Creative Director served on the jury at Cannes—but much of this has gone unnoticed in German-speaking Switzerland. Do you now want to become number one in Switzerland? Simko: We don’t intend to grow at any cost. Of course, we’re aiming for growth. If we grow by 15 percent, that’s more than enough. We don’t necessarily want to replace Publicis as the number one agency. After all, like us, Publicis is a member of the Publicis network. That’s why we won’t attack them or poach any clients or employees from Publicis. But it’s still possible that you and Publicis might find yourselves in a competitive situation, for example during a pitch. Loeb: We don’t want to compete with Publicis, but we’d of course be delighted to compete in a pitch. In the end, it’s always the client who decides which agency they want. Are international or national clients higher on your wish list? Simko: Both. It’s crucial to strike a good balance. For the creatives, it’s important that they can also work for local clients—they want to see their work when they’re walking down the street. Loeb: The situation in Switzerland is exciting in that many large companies are based here. Until the 1970s, they commissioned Swiss agencies, but since then, the budgets of these multinationals have mostly been managed through New York or London. We’d like to bring these companies’ accounts back to Switzerland. Mr. Simko, you’ll be focusing primarily on the network going forward. What interests you about that? Simko: I’ll be able to focus on what interests me most. As one of four members of the European management team, I’ll be primarily responsible for new business, which I find very appealing. In addition, I’ll be the only European on the Worldwide Executive Board. I’ll be working frequently with Kevin Roberts, the CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi. That’s one of the most rewarding experiences in our industry. Interview: Carole Scheidegger

Until now, the Swiss Milk Producers' Association (SMP) has operated its websites completely free of advertising. This is now changing. In collaboration with the Swiss online marketer Adlink Media, Swissmilk.ch. Lemenue.ch, Butter.ch and Beurre.ch are now offering advertising space. According to the Goldbach Media company Adlink, in future it will be possible to advertise there on a large scale, precisely targeted and calorie-free. Cheers!

 As RTL announced on Tuesday, the media group Bertelsmann is said to be interested in a complete takeover of the Luxembourg-based RTL Group. Bertelsmann has indicated that it intends to make a takeover bid for the shares it does not yet own. Bertelsmann currently holds 90 percent of RTL and has not yet decided on an offer. A concrete offer would first have to be approved by various bodies. An initial attempt to acquire the remaining 10 percent failed in 2002. The price offered was apparently too low for RTL shareholders. In March, Bertelsmann announced its intention to use its billion-euro profit from last year to acquire further companies.
The RTL Group owns all or part of 32 radio and 42 television stations. In Germany, these are the channels RTL, RTL II, SuperRTL, N-TV and Vox.

The Ticino winter sports resort of Airolo is currently causing a stir with an advertising campaign. The posters used to promote the resort in Italy feature two female winter sports enthusiasts kissing. The tourism association of the canton of Ticino does not like this at all. An advertising campaign needs a clear and not an ambiguous message, said Marco Solari, President of TicinoTurismo, on Monday evening to the television station of Italian-speaking Switzerland. He hopes that those responsible will back down, the angry Solari continued, but this is unlikely: Locane's PR agency Ferrise Comunicazione wants to stick with the campaign. According to a spokesperson, the Italians are more open to this type of advertising than the people of Ticino.
Meanwhile, a toned-down version was developed for Ticino. In the Swiss version, one of the winter sports enthusiasts only puts her hand on her companion's shoulder. Still interesting enough to be eyed curiously by the snowboarder in the background. According to the PR agency, the message is the same here too: You can experience the purity of emotions in the winter sports area of Airolo.
 
 
 

A special train stopped at the stations in Zurich, Lausanne, Basel and Lucerne over the past few days. It was the special train that transports its passengers from platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts School of Magic, the Harry Potter Express. To coincide with the release of the new DVD "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", the traveling exhibition on wheels presented costumes and props from the young wizard's film adventures. The advertising campaign was conceived by the Zurich advertising agency TBWA, which teamed up with SBB and Warner Home Entertainment:
Franziska Kellenberger (Segment Manager Children), responsible at Warner Brothers:
Claudia Minchau (Trade Marketing Manager) Responsible at TBWA:
Armin Korf (Creative Director), Karin Swierzy (Art Director), Peter Bietenholz (Text), Fadi Nemr (Graphics), Tom Blum (Account Director), Milena Russ (Account Executive).

 A warm shower for Ruf Lanz: the Zurich-based creative agency is delighted with a substantial budget win. It is now advising Sanitas Troesch, Switzerland's leading kitchen and bathroom company. In a pitch between four agencies, the agency came out on top with a concept that, according to the Sanitas marketing manager, "presents kitchens and bathrooms in a surprising and unique way". A long-term collaboration is planned.

 On Tuesday, Giuseppe Scaglione announced that he would apply with RMC Züri for a license that includes the frequency previously held by Radio Tropic. In doing so, he is taking on Roger Schawinski, who wants the same license. Schawinski responded by saying he found it brazen that Scaglione was copying his concept. Scaglione is now firing back with his usual sharp retort: Schawinski’s statement «couldn’t be more grotesque.» After all, Radio Monte Carlo has been broadcasting on the cable network in German-speaking Switzerland for nearly two years using precisely the same concept that is now being used for the license application. Since it went on the air in January 2006, Radio Monte Carlo has been aimed at a discerning, adult audience that has no interest in typical mainstream radio stations. Scaglione now states the following: «It’s well known that Roger Schawinski likes to claim he invented everything in Switzerland and that everything was always his idea. But now he’s passing off an idea that others had before him (and have even already implemented here) as his own. In doing so, he ultimately disqualifies himself.»
In his statement on Monday, Schawinski also addressed the issue of Radio Monte Carlo’s funding: He wondered what foreign interests and sources of funding were behind Scaglione’s endeavors. In a statement, Scaglione now expresses his «disappointment» and says: «It is an old and, moreover, cheap tactic to try to cast the funding of our Italian partners in a negative, dubious, even mafia-like light when one lacks arguments. Our partners are absolutely reputable, professional, and highly respected and successful radio professionals in Italy, and have been well known to Bakom for over 10 years. When Schawinski of all people—who began his radio career as a pirate broadcaster in Italy and was head of Europe’s second-largest TV group—suddenly goes on the ‚foreign countries are evil‘ tour, it’s just plain embarrassing.».
It remains to be seen how the verbal sparring between the two radio hosts, Scaglione and Schawinski, will play out.

 The brand discounter Denner now also has its own premium line. It is called Primess and has been on the shelves of all Denner stores since December 1. The range initially comprises 23 delicacies. The advertising agency ViznerBorel is now promoting them in a new campaign. Under the motto: "Life is too short for expensive delicacies", Denner's lead agency is launching the Primess Premium line with a specially created discount etiquette. The national campaign includes advertisements, carrier ads with the discount etiquette as an insert and all POS measures:
Petra Hilber (Project Management) Responsible at ViznerBorel:
Lajos Vizner, Guillaume Borel (overall responsibility); Jürg Waeber, Guillaume Borel (text); Livio Reutlinger (art direction); Adrian Bucher (consulting); Jonathan Heyer (photography). 
 
 

 The Geneva-based advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi Simko is opening a branch in Zurich at the beginning of 2008. At the same time, Kaspar Loeb will assume the role of CEO at both locations. Agency founder Pedro Simko will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors and will also take on management tasks in the international network. According to Saatchi & Saatchi Simko, the expansion to Zurich is an expression of a consistent growth strategy. According to the latest BSW ranking, the agency has quickly become the second-largest Swiss advertising agency with around 92 employees. "We have wanted to open a branch in Zurich for some time, and now the time is right," says Pedro Simko. Saatchi & Saatchi Simko not only sees good opportunities for growth in German-speaking Switzerland. According to the press release, existing customers will also receive better local support and information channels and response times will be significantly shorter.
The former Publicis boss Kaspar Loeb will take over the position of CEO for both locations in Switzerland from January 2008. "In Kaspar Loeb, we have gained a proven expert and outstanding manager with a large network who can provide us with important growth impetus and position the Group correctly for the challenges of the future," explains Simko. After completing his law degree at the University of Basel, Kaspar Loeb worked as a journalist in national print and electronic media. He then worked as a brand consultant at Interbrand Zintzmeyer & Lux, headed Seiler DDB from 2000 to 2004 and was CEO of Publicis from 2004 to fall 2007.
Pedro Simko, who will remain the contact person and consultant for key clients, will take on important management tasks for the international Saatchi & Saatchi network in addition to his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saatchi & Saatchi Simko in Switzerland with immediate effect, as detailed in the press release. He will become Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and thus also a member of Saatchi & Saatchi's four-person European Management Team, which is headed by Simon Francis. Simon Francis says: "Simko has proven that he can lead an agency to the top. He will be able to give us important impetus for the development of Saatchi & Saatchi internationally." Among other things, Simko is directly responsible for the growth strategy and implementation of the network in the EMEA region. He also sits on the Worldwide Executive Board of Saatchi & Saatchi in New York and has an influence on the global development of the network.
Pedro Simko founded the agency in 1991. In 2001, he increased the focus on classic advertising and brought in Olivier Girard from Euro RSCG as CD. In 2003, Simko began negotiations with international partners and merged with Saatchi&Saatchi in May 2004. According to a press release, Saatchi&Saatchi Simko was the fastest growing agency within the global network in 2005 and 2006.

The Swiss Journalist of the Year, chosen by the public for the first time, is Constantin Seibt. Second place went to Patrik Müller, editor-in-chief of the newly launched Sonntag newspaper. Third place went to Bund editor Walter Däpp. The 41-year-old Seibt impressed the audience and the jury above all with his journalistic achievements in connection with the Swissair trial. In his role as a reporter for the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, he had "covered it superbly", announced the publisher of the industry magazine Schweizer Journalist, which conducts the election each year, on Monday. His texts on the trial in the Bülach town hall have also been published in book form by Echtzeit-Verlag. Seibt already became known in the Swiss press landscape as domestic editor of the WoZ, to whose content he also contributed with his sometimes very absurd but always entertaining commentaries as the WoZ monster.
The Journalist of the Year was chosen this year for the first time in a two-stage process. A total of 720 readers of Schweizer Jorunalist magazine cast their votes online. They were joined by the votes of the 44-member jury.
The jury also voted Seibt into first place in the subcategories of politics, business and reporter. Patrik Müller, head of the Sunday edition of Mittelland Zeitung, which was launched in mid-September, was voted Editor-in-Chief of the Year.
In the local journalism category, Peter Knechtli was declared the winner for the first time as an online journalist. Gieri Cavelty, editor at Südostschweiz, was named Newcomer of the Year.