Audiovision Ringier-TV Business Productions and Mountain DV Solutions are expanding their collaboration. Mountain DV produces DVDs for corporate communications and entertainment and will be moving into Ringier-TV's premises in Zurich's Hagenholz at the beginning of July. Mountain DV's authoring, encoding and replication will then be closely linked to Ringier-TV's production, post-production and graphics departments.

Radiocontrol Data is still blocked. This is fueling calls for a research foundation.
The Radiocontrol data for Radios Grischa and Fréquence Jura (FJ) are still under lock and key. Neither SRG nor the SRG Research Service (FD) have set a date for the release of this data, which was blocked at the beginning of the year due to a weighting error. While the data for the other radios was released in mid-May, SRG Director General Armin Walpen maintained the block for Grischa and FJ because they had up to 30 percent fewer listeners.
The interference in research, which is probably contrary to the statutes, caused outrage among private radio stations (see WW 19/04). This is being fueled by the ongoing ban, as the exact reasons for the delay cannot be ascertained.
Rumors are now doing the rounds. For example, that (local) radio use by foreign tourists is now being investigated. These are not included in the RC panel. However, as they temporarily increase the population in some places by 100 percent and some of them probably also listen to (local) radio, they are likely to increase the reach of some stations.
This situation already existed at the time of the media study. "We pointed this out around ten years ago, but it was not addressed at the time," says Martin Muerner, Head of Broadcasting at Radio BeO. In any case, the question arises as to whether the tourism approach can be used to explain the loss of listeners - or whether the loss is currently inexplicable but should be compensated for with tourist listeners.
There is growing unease about the SRG, and calls for radio and TV research to be outsourced from the SRG are getting louder. On June 22, the board of the Swiss Private Radio Association unanimously confirmed its continued support for the research foundation approved by the National Council.
Markus Knöpfli

International With an amendment to the law on unfair competition, the German parliament prohibits harassment through telephone advertising if the consumer has not given their consent.the publishing and DM industries have fought in vain against the bill. Publisher President Hubert Burda: "In Germany, we are to be largely prohibited from expanding and exploiting our knowledge of customers and markets using modern technologies." The amendment would cause up to 400,000 jobs to move to less regulated countries. In Switzerland, advertising calls are only prohibited if the consumer has expressly objected to them. According to Christian Altenburger, Managing Director of the Swiss Direct Marketing Association, however, there are strict regulations for calls abroad that must comply with the respective legislation of the recipient country.

Distribution Swiss Post is streamlining logistics for daily newspapers, and publishers are helping - for the sake of rate stability Most daily newspapers are distributed by early delivery organizations. Nevertheless, around one million additional daily newspapers are distributed by Swiss Post every night. Swiss Post and publishers' associations have now jointly developed a savings project for this special night-time logistics, which will reduce costs on the postal side by at least CHF 10 million per year. To this end, they have reorganized the entire newspaper transport process. The new system, which essentially concentrates the logistics for daily newspapers at four hubs throughout Switzerland, will be introduced in the night from August 8 to 9, 2004, following the increase in postal rates for domestic newspaper and magazine transport at the beginning of the year. Swiss Post is demanding this increase because the Confederation had reduced its contribution to the uncovered costs of newspaper and magazine transportation from 100 to 80 million francs from 2004 and intends to abolish it completely from 2008. Swiss Post had therefore held out the prospect of a further press rate increase for 2005.
"However, the industry would not be able to cope with a further increase in rates. It was therefore important to prevent the rates from rising again in 2005," says Hanspeter Kellermüller, legal advisor at the Swiss Press Association. From the point of view of the associations - in addition to the Swiss Press Association, Presse Romande and ATEG (Associazione Ticinesi Editori di Giornali) were also involved - there was "clear potential for savings" at Swiss Post. For this reason, an agreement was reached with Swiss Post to make savings instead of further rate increases.
Swiss Post has already promised that domestic rates will remain at their current level next year. However, the more distant future remains open. "The publishers expect price stability until 2007," says Kellermüller - and adds: "At least that's our hope."
Two things remained largely untouched: The editorial deadlines and the time of delivery to subscribers. The latter will even be improved with the new system: "Today, we cannot deliver 3 percent of daily newspapers on the same day. In future, it will be around 2.5 percent," says Alfred Hugentobler, Head of Print Media at Postmail.
The cost-cutting measures will primarily affect Swiss Post staff: 130 full-time positions will be lost, including in those railroad mail vans that are being taken out of circulation. The main organizational effort also lay with Swiss Post: in recent months, it has clarified the logistics details with each individual daily newspaper publisher. They streamlined their processes and were prepared to make certain concessions. For example, the St. Galler Tagblatt (see page 1) is introducing a remote edition with earlier closing times. The publishers are now also delivering their newspapers directly to the four hubs in Zurich, Bern, Lausanne and Hunzenschwil AG or to the
regional letter centers. These road transports have been coordinated with those of Swiss Post in such a way that numerous empty and parallel journeys can be avoided. "Although we are largely shifting the logistics for daily newspapers from rail to road, the bottom line is that the environmental footprint will be better than it is today," says Hugentobler.
The new logistics organization of daily newspaper publishers and Swiss Post benefits the entire press. Domestic rates for other periodicals will also remain at their current level next year. For this reason, the publishers' associations have been at the forefront of negotiations with Swiss Post.
Both sides are full of praise. While Kellermüller emphasizes the efforts of Swiss Post, Hugentobler is pleased "that we were able to find solutions with the publishers despite their heterogeneous composition and diverse needs".
Every year, Swiss Post transports around one billion press products - of which daily newspapers account for almost a third. It's no wonder that some publishers have been sensing potential savings in magazine distribution for some time. They are thinking of an alternative delivery organization (AZO). Such an organization has actually been in the planning stage for several months, with major publishers and Valora (K-Group) involved. Swiss Post, on the other hand, is only marginally involved. It is obvious that publishers and K-Group are aiming for their own organization: they already have expensive regional delivery companies and nationwide distribution networks. If these can be utilized even more, all the better. (mk)
Every night, one million daily newspapers are sent by Swiss Post. The costs for this can now be reduced.
Markus Knöpfli

Internet The Zurich-based web service provider Synergetics is revamping the online presence of Nordwest 5. The Basel-based TV station is to receive a portal with many new functions and offers, which will go live at the beginning of July.

Business press From September, PME Magazine will be published in a significantly revised form. The aim is to make it more up-to-date, more personal and more relevant, and the SME magazine for French-speaking Switzerland is increasing its editorial team by two positions. Cooperation with its sister titles HandelsZeitung and Stocks will also be strengthened.

Beverages Fresh, natural beer has been brewed in Villmergen for four years. Now the Sorg & Schädeli microbrewery is launching a brand campaign for its Erusbacher Bräu for the first time, entrusting the Baden-based advertising agency Orcamedia with the mandate. The posters and advertisements can be seen regionally in July and August.

From August, the St.Galler Tagblatt (SGT) will be adding a ninth regional split to its eight - a long-distance edition, which is intended for around 2,500 subscribers outside the SGT circulation area (permanent residence or vacation detour) as well as for an additional newsstand presence.The impetus for the long-distance edition came from the new postal logistics for daily newspapers (see page 15). Their schedule is so tight that the 2,500 outbound copies have to be in Zurich by 0.30 a.m. - too early for the local editions. The remote edition solves the problem like this: Its jacket section, including Regiobund Ostschweiz, is up-to-date, while the respective local edition is from the previous day. Conversely, the SGT will now also be available at kiosks that were previously too far away (e.g. in Ticino) due to the earlier delivery.
This increases the circulation of the long-distance edition to around 3700 copies. SGT Publishing Director Daniel Ehrat: "The SGT will be able to keep the 2,500 out-of-home copies and will see an image boost with the additional newsstand presence."
(mk)

Corporate Publishing One, Credit Suisse's employee magazine, has won gold in the Best of Corporate Publishing competition. The magazine was designed by the branding agency Process in Zurich.Corporate Publishing One, the Credit Suisse employee magazine, has won gold in the Best of Corporate Publishing competition. The magazine was designed by the Process branding agency in Zurich. The bank took bronze with its B2C periodical Bulletin (Arnold Design, Uerikon ZH). There were also three silver medals for Switzerland: for the Clarity title from KPMG Fides Management, for the Clariant magazine (Primafila, Zurich) and for the Direct Point newsletter from Swiss Post.

Gilles Marchand, newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Publisuisse, expects new viewing habits that will also challenge TV advertising.
WW: Where will you lead Publisuisse and what will you do differently from your predecessor Peter Schellenberg? Gilles Marchand: I have known Publisuisse for three years, as I was already a member of the Board of Directors before my election as Chairman. I therefore fully support the strategy that Publisuisse developed under its Chairman Peter Schellenberg and will ensure its continuity. I have been familiar with the advertising market for a long time. For example, as former Director of Ringier Romandie. Before my involvement in the magazine market, I also worked for a newspaper company. Discussions with advertising clients are therefore nothing new to me, and I have many friends in the advertising industry.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for Swiss TV advertising in the coming years?
There are two major challenges: the legal framework that regulates advertising and technological developments, which will not be without consequences for advertising in electronic media.
What role do the new RTVA and the more restrictive advertising rules for SRG-SSR broadcasters play in this?
The new RTVA is still under consultation and it is difficult to draw conclusions from a provisional text. However, my position is simple: advertising restrictions for SRG SSR programs are problematic not only for Publisuisse, but for all advertising clients in Switzerland and for the country's economy in general. They also do not necessarily have a positive effect on the development of private local television stations. On the contrary: in my opinion, advertising restrictions benefit foreign advertising windows in Switzerland, which do not invest in Swiss audiovisual creation. This mechanism is quite dangerous in the medium term.
However, future TV usage will also be strongly influenced by technical developments such as the video recorder, which can hide advertising. These are major challenges for TV advertising.
The technological challenge primarily concerns the development of distribution and television consumption. In a few years' time, part of the radio and television audience will watch its programs non-linearly, interactively and on demand with a "time delay". The aim is not only to maintain contact with this new audience and capture it in terms of numbers, but also to find new forms of advertising communication that correspond to changing consumer habits. Creativity and foresight are required. Publisuisse will achieve this goal together with the advertising agencies and clients and in consultation with the SRG SSR channels.
Because of the numerous advertising windows in German-speaking Switzerland, Publisuisse had a president in Schellenberg from a TV market with very strong competition. Western Switzerland, on the other hand, has a rather closed TV advertising market. My theory is that more competition promotes the development and implementation of innovative ideas. Do you share this view?
I share your opinion. Precisely because French-speaking Switzerland is exposed to massive competition, TSR and RSR offer new and independent content that is highly appreciated by viewers. So I can reassure you: I know what competition means, I have experience with it, and as long as the competition is fair, it doesn't scare me. However, Publisuisse is a nationwide company that operates in all markets, taking into account the specific characteristics of each one. It supports creative advertising ideas with great know-how, powerful and innovative tools. I will accompany the company on this path, which is fully in keeping with the federalist structure of our country.
How can the German-speaking Swiss and Ticino TV advertising markets benefit from the experience of the French-speaking Swiss market?
As the channels in Ticino and French-speaking Switzerland are under great competitive pressure due to the strong presence of French and Italian providers, they are constantly developing new program offerings. They keep a very close eye on their competitors. This attitude is positive: for example, it has led to the development of multimedia projects in French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. In addition, the two major TV countries, France and Italy, are characterized by fantastic creativity in the advertising sector, coupled with a pronounced sense of communication and the art of seduction. A climate that could spread to our country in a positive sense.
In order for Publisuisse to grow in the long term, it must also open up new areas of business. Where is this possible?
Publisuisse is currently undergoing a strategy process that will show the way for the next five years. However, cross-media offerings based on advertising and sponsorship are still interesting. TSI is a good example of this. Radio sponsorship is also very promising - provided the new RTVA does not put the brakes on it. Then there are the new possibilities offered by technological developments. I am thinking, for example, of mobile screens or interactive advertising.
Will the M6 advertising window in Geneva and Lausanne remain closed? Has anything changed in your position?
The decision to continue broadcasting the M6 advertising window in Switzerland is up to the individual cable companies. Cablecom was in favor, others such as Geneva and Lausanne were against. My position as Director of TSR and a citizen of French-speaking Switzerland is clear: I have no problem with M6 in Switzerland - as long as M6 acquires the rights to those programs for Switzerland that form the basis for its advertising, its revenues and its business activities. TSR must acquire these rights. Why not a private broadcaster? It should not be forgotten that, unlike in German-speaking Switzerland, the rights in French-speaking Switzerland are territorially regulated. Anyone who does not want to acquire the rights in French-speaking Switzerland is to a certain extent denying their existence. I am fighting for this basic principle. And not against competition per se.
Advertising clients want better TV advertising opportunities in French-speaking Switzerland. The SWA, the association of Swiss advertising clients, is also explicitly calling for this. Can this wish be ignored in the long term?
I can understand this point of view. But I'm sure you agree with me that TSR1 and TSR2 produce attractive, high-quality programs that generate good media performance. However, I agree with you on one point: we must continue to expand our offering, particularly with regard to certain target groups. TSR is working on this: there is still a lot of untapped potential, especially in the second channel.
TSR's current sales trends indicate that the M6 advertising window not only does not take away any sales from TSR, but is actually able to make TV advertising more dynamic. Despite M6 (or precisely because of M6?), TSR was the only SRG business unit not to suffer any loss of revenue in 2003! In contrast to SF DRS (- 1%) and TSI (- 3%).
What makes you think that the development of TSR advertising sales means that M6's Swiss advertising window is dynamizing the market instead of taking sales away from it? Be that as it may, we actually managed to stabilize our results in 2003 compared to 2002. However, you forget to mention that TSR1 and TSR2 improved their market shares in the same period ... The good advertising result probably also has something to do with this positive development.
Publisuisse came second in the Media Trend Award for media marketers in 2002 and 2003. What are you going to do to ensure that next time you might even make it onto the winners' podium?
Most important of all is the corporate culture. That of Publisuisse and its employees is geared towards performance, customer satisfaction, early recognition of future market developments, creativity and innovation. We will continue to pursue this direction with all our strength. And to this end, we need to continuously develop our instruments and tools to make life easier for our partners in their daily work. It is also important to carefully observe the market and its players. Professional ethics, corporate culture and creativity seem to me to be core values. If we
If we win the Media Trend Award one day on the basis of these values - all the better.
Publisuisse currently 12% above previous yearThe lean times are over, at least in television. In the first quarter of 2004, SRG marketer Publisuisse achieved sales of just under CHF 73 million in the TV sector. This is around 8 percent more than in the previous year. The second quarter promises to be even better: As of June 10, bookings amounted to just under 95 million francs, an increase of around 15 percent.
The Publisuisse Annual General Meeting not only elected Gilles
Marchand, Director of TSR, as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors. It also elected Ingrid Deltenre, Director of Swiss Television DRS, as a new member. Her predecessor Peter Schellenberg stepped down for reasons of age after twelve years on the Board of Directors, including three years as its Chairman. (dse)
Publisuisse President Gilles Marchand: "The most important thing is the corporate culture."
Interview: Daniel Schifferle

Gebi Bischoff founded WebDirekt. He is convinced that the Internet is only just beginning to blossom and that the market had become very difficult after the Internet hype. "Customers no longer wanted to pay for websites because they had doubts about the Internet," recalls Gebi Bischoff. Even when the web specialist of the first hour recently suggested: "Do one less commercial and you'll have a great website for the money you save", the business still didn't work. "The prices were in the basement." So Gebi Bischoff looked for a solution that would allow him to continue to offer his expertise to customers. WebDirekt is now the name of his company, which combines customized solutions from his office in Oberrieden with professional but affordable technology and software from India.
Today, it is clear that every company must have an attractive website. "After a backlog of investment over the last three years, business is picking up again," Gebi Bischoff is convinced. He believes that he has chosen the right moment to set up his first own company: "Many old websites need to be adapted to the new possibilities."
WebDirekt offers consulting for the revision of sites or new appearances. How should the homepage be structured? How do the communication mechanisms work? How is the web integrated into the overall communication? Is it just a brand presence or a corporate presence with other priorities, a business card for customers or information for your own employees?
For more than 25 years, Gebi
Bischoff was able to gain experience in such matters in large and small, national and international agencies. Bischoff trained as an advertising assistant, moved to Lintas and developed from consultant to account director. His most important stations were Publicis, Ogilvy and, for eight years, Zogg Kettiger Gasser.
In the mid-nineties, advertisers were increasingly confronted with the Internet. Customers said they should also think about having a website. "I was always more interested in that," the self-taught designer recalls.
Even then, it was clear to today's specialist: "The internet is a medium and not a technical matter." Although the content is only transmitted thanks to technology, as with television, the program is ultimately decisive for the success of both.
Two key experiences for Bischoff were Mitsubishi and Mars, where he was able to demonstrate and sell the possibilities of the Internet for the first time. With both jobs, the question soon became: "Should you set up your own agency for such tasks or work with external specialists?"
Zogg Kettiger Gasser decided to work with him, and Bischoff was subsequently able to manage all contacts with Update. After three years, he was appointed to the company management. He held this position from August 2001 to January 2004.
There are now many web agencies and technology manufacturers. What can WebDirekt offer more than others? Gebi Bischoff sees an advantage in his background in advertising. He is well versed in brand management and brand positioning. In addition to the combination of communication and technology expertise, the third factor is price.
Gebi Bischoff came into contact with an agency called WebDirekt in Germany through a mutual client. This agency was founded seven years ago by an emigrant from Graubünden and now employs ten people. With the cooperation under the same name, Bischoff wants to drive forward the development of a network in Switzerland. Since its beginnings, WebDirekt has had a subsidiary in India with 20 software developers.
Keeping websites up to date, designing customer management systems, writing newsletters and creating tools for newsletters, forums, chat, stores and digital forms - these are WebDirekt's most important services. With his new company, Gebi Bischoff wants to "aim for more quality than quantity" when it comes to growth.
It also fits in with this philosophy that his son has now taken his first step "out of the house" with recruit school and his wife works as a nursery school teacher. The risk of running his own business, even in a hot industry, is easier to bear under these circumstances, says Bischoff.
Gebi Bischoff sees the opportunity of WebDirekt in the fact that "many websites have to be adapted to the new possibilities".
Andreas Panzeri

Market research Ovomaltine, Daimler Chrysler and McCormick placed the most popular ads in the Swiss media in the first quarter of this year.Best of SoutheastAffinity of ads among supporters in the "Christian camp"
In collaboration with the market research institute Demoscope, Publimedia presents readers of Werbewoche with an extract of the results from the Advertising Index (AX-Print) five times a year. This index (see below) is a module of the Market Radar and measures the popularity of advertisements. The boxes on the left and right show the ads that achieved the greatest acceptance in the relevant psychographic target group. The three subjects that performed best with the entire sample, i.e. with all four target groups in total, are shown under the title "Top Three". (ww)