Matthias Luchsinger, CEO RMB

How will the Swiss perform?

How will the Swiss perform?Matthias Luchsinger: My tip for all categories: 10 shortlist placements and one or two lions for Switzerland.What do you think about the inclusion of DM in the competition?
Luchsinger: This is another step forward for the evaluation of international advertising. The number of entries for this competition has exceeded expectations.
Do you look at media and cyberlions as well as DM in addition to traditional advertising?
Luchsinger: Although I'm not a classic advertiser, I can confirm that interest in these "fringe" categories is very high. For example, we invite clients from the media industry to the Mediaaward in Cannes every year. This continues to prove a very great success. Cannes is an ideal meeting place for making contacts in the international advertising scene.
What is your expense policy?
Luchsinger: What is given to me as a Swiss representative is the entrance fee. The rest of the marketing costs I have to fight through with our accountant every year.

Head of the week: "We will be more committed to the market again".

Edgar C. Britschgi Takes the Helm at Advico Young & Rubicam

Edgar C. Britschgi takes over as head of Advico Young & RubicamHead of the week "We will be more committed to the market again"
After the departure of the management of Advico Young & Rubicam (AY&R), there was a lot of guesswork as to who would take over the helm in Gockhausen. In the meantime, the agency has presented its solution: Edgar C. Britschgi will in future bear overall responsibility as CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors.
Britschgi is only a new face at the agency at first glance: He earned his spurs as a media planner and media buyer at the former Advico Delpire. Since then, Britschgi's career has moved in a broad and international field between marketing, brand communication and consulting.
In 1973, he was appointed Head of Marketing Communications Europe at the textile manufacturer Gardisette, and his further rise in the company took him to the United States for several years. After returning to the Old Continent, Britschgi worked his way through the management of advertising agencies such as TBWA, RSCG and Ogilvy & Mather. As CEO and Managing Partner, he was considered the driving force behind the establishment of Saatchi & Saatchi Business Consulting (Switzerland).
For five years, Britschgi shaped CI, brand development and event marketing at UBS in his role as head of Group Corporate Marketing. The implementation of his branding assignments was handled by Martin Spillmann as CD and Peter Felser as strategist - his predecessors at AY&R. "I therefore know both of them very well and regret that they have left Advico," Britschgi comments on their departures, "although ultimately that's how I got to my current posts." Prior to the bank merger, Britschgi left UBS and joined consulting firm Accenture as a partner, the last stop before AY&R.
Despite this varied career, the new captain was surprised at the first plenary session that he was a stranger to only a few of his new co-workers: "A few knew me from the old days at Advico, others as the head of ADC's creative school, the third as a client."
Britschgi "wasn't jittery," as he says, "because I knew that I had the necessary management experience. However, he is "certainly not taking the challenge lightly". After all, he looks back on predecessors "who have done an outstanding job for more than ten years.
The new CEO sees opportunities for expansion in the strategic area, and with his knowledge from management consulting, he hopes to be able to further deepen the agency's services. "We will be more committed to the market again," Britschgi outlines his goal, "this aspect has certainly suffered in recent months." Bruno Amstutz

Green light at Press TV

Basler Media Group Can Negotiate with Jean Frey AG

Basel media group can negotiate with Jean Frey AGOn June 3, the board of directors (BoD) of Presse-TV (PTV) discussed the request of the Basel media group (BM) to cede half of its 20 percent share in the publisher's television on SF 2 to Jean Frey AG and its new owners. The reason: Jean Frey AG should be able to contribute its well-run Bilanz-Talk and possibly other programs as a PTV partner to the publisher's television on SF 2 even after it has been cut loose from BM (see also WW 17/02). At the board meeting, the other PTV shareholders (Ringier 30 percent, NZZ 30 percent, the German publishing group DCTP 20 percent) have now agreed in principle that BM can enter into sales and investment negotiations with Jean Frey AG.
First Ringier wanted to know the new Jean Frey shareholders
At least verbally, they waived their right of first refusal, Meyer said when asked. However, the BM does not yet have the commitments in writing. "The commitments are tied to a few conditions," says Martin Werfeli, COO of Ringier and member of the PTV Board of Directors. However, he did not want to explain to WerbeWoche what kind of conditions are involved.
At the last meeting of the Board of Directors in March of this year, when BM first presented its request, Ringier already hinted at possibly wanting to exercise its right of first refusal and thus prevent Jean Frey AG from acquiring a stake in Presse-TV.
The threat was partly intended as a tit-for-tat response to the collapsed Jean Frey deal. But it also had factual reasons: One wanted to know exactly the shareholder structure of the new Jean Frey AG first before admitting it as a partner. As is well known, this requirement has now been met, which apparently had a fruitful effect at the last meeting. In addition, NZZ and DTCP seem to have influenced Ringier not to bring any animosities towards BM or Jean Frey AG into the PTV board. Markus Knöpfli

Time of the golden fiestas

By Beat Fritsch

By Beat FritschThe party week was kicked off by the people from Goldbach-Media, who show their generous and active side almost exactly every two months. An invitation from Küsnacht flutters into the house every two months. But the logos of IP Multimedia, Hitradio Z, Active Agent, Suchtreffer and other labels can also be seen at other events - for example at the Idée-VfW, advertising clubs and other organizations, which always welcome sponsors with open arms.The strategists at Goldbach in Küsnacht have once again tried out something new - and created it: the Mediarena, a communications forum for electronic offline and online media. Many external speakers and panelists ensured that the accusation of a self-promotional event did not even arise. The visitor frequency confirmed the organizers. There still seems to be a marked need for information via electronic media. Especially with regard to the online sector and its cross-media application possibilities.
During two days, a lot of intellectual food was swallowed in order to finally indulge in tangible culinary and liquid pleasures on Thursday evening. After the work was done, one could relax on a beautiful boat trip and let oneself be carried through the tides of Lake Zurich; including the first aperitif. The transfer from Küsnacht to the shipyard took place by boat.
This hall, which had already been tried and tested as a theater, had been converted into a veritable party temple. Event manager Christian Bonnot had done a great job. Where usually welding machines burn and mechanics sweat, one encountered a party area in the noblest style. The box must have cost a good deal of money! Blue carpets, dignified seating and tables with first and second tier like in a theater. The whole thing was topped off with a stage setup. Oversized lampshades hung overhead, and the lighting system would have done credit to a large-venue disco.
Not only the guests, but also the catering was delivered across the lake. The "Lake Side Casino Zürichhorn" had its first guest appearance outside its own location - and was able to convince to a certain extent. The buffet for immediate service for fast-moving and ravenous contemporaries was not missing, nor was the cultivated "service à table" with all kinds of delicacies for the culinary somewhat more patient.
You could listen to dignified jazz, enjoy yourself in special seating areas and lounges, there was simply enough space for everyone. In three words - a real pleasure!
There was news from the personnel side: Andy Wild is leaving Swiss. The former Swissair advertising pilot, who was hired for the same position at Swiss after the grounding and collapse of the "national symbol", has definitely had enough of the airline business. He will now be head of communications at electricity provider Axpo. News also from 3M advertising manager Martin Vogel. He was given the title "Head of Corporate Communication, Marketing & Advertising". From which we conclude that he has been promoted at least two stories up (without going through the roof).
There was a concentrated load of beauty and beauties to be seen at the Credit Suisse Prix Bolero. Not only on the catwalk, but also in the audience, which was examined more closely at the after-show parties. Although one scene was scathing in its verdict that there was a lot of suburban chic, the event was still enjoyed by almost everyone. The catwalk is now being held in the Saalsporthalle, as there was no longer enough space in the main station. With non-stop shows and exhibitions in the aisles and after-show events for all spectators. Also new: It was not Bolero regular host Kurt Aeschbacher, but the no less charming Mona Vetsch who led through the two shows.
At the eleventh edition of the Credit Suisse Prix Bolero, in addition to the annual award for Swiss newcomers, this year Italian designers had their say. The domestic competition was won by 22-year-old Larissa Kramer, who entered a collection in the new romantic style under her Larika label, spiced up with a rich touch of eroticism. The prize was endowed with 25,000 Swiss francs.
There was a novelty at the Bucherer Audience Award - pure e-voting. The spectators were able to vote for their favorites via SMS from the stands. The CHF 10,000 prize went to the young designer Aleksandra Wisniewska.
The EWZ substation in Selnau was also electrified on Friday. The people of St. Gallen are about to conquer Zurich. In Switzerland, a country of the press, the easiest way to do this is via a print product. Faces, the established nightlife guidebook from St.Gallen, is venturing into the Zurich scene with an editorial split, where two party magazines, Forecast and Kult, are already established. A bold move by Stefan Berger and Paddy Pierazzoli of Fairlane Consulting. And a well-used opportunity to redesign Faces, because they want to assert themselves against the established players.
The launch number has succeeded the makers. The new edition brought a lot of pretty pictures and a lot more text. Jürg Zentner (Zentner Kreativproduktion GmbH), co-founder of Kult at the time, and his equally cult-like partner Anka Wessely, who is responsible for the art direction, were responsible for this. Since reading is known to educate, we warmly recommend reading Faces even to partygoers.
Beat Fritsch

was increasingly on the prowl last week. It was the anniversary of the inauguration of the Goldbach Center, which was honored with a communication forum and a big party. There was also a lot of beauty to be seen at the Credit Suisse Prix Bolero, where people gathered on the edge of the catwalk to judge the up-and-coming Swiss designers. And with Faces, another nightlife and party magazine is entering the market in Zurich - which was duly celebrated with great fanfare.
Whoever in the communications scene is celebrating anniversaries or coming up with launches and relaunches, we locate at the most diverse events in the industry. Do you already have something exciting to report? Pick up the phone (01 296 97 98) or type on the keyboard (info@werbewo che.ch). For event tips as well as many more shortlist pictures: www.werbe woche.ch

Mark Stahel, CD Lowe

What are your favorite Swiss things?

Your Swiss favorites?Mark Stahel: Spontaneously, the Tibet spot "Musicians" comes to mind.how does Switzerland perform?
Stahel: I think the chances were a lot better last year.
Your Grand Prix favorite?
Stahel: The BMW spots from Fallon Worldwide, which also cleaned up at the One Show.
Does DM make sense in Cannes?
Stahel: More and more advertising dollars are flowing into the field. If you look at this year's Swiss DM Awards, you have to say: Chapeau! There were some great works.
Is Switzerland doing enough self-promotion?
Stahel: The best self-promotion is good advertising. Switzerland succeeds in this time and again. But to make a big self-promotion hoopla doesn't help, on the contrary.
Your idea to arouse more curiosity about Swiss advertising?
Stahel: I'll ask Tyler Brûlé about that right now.
Do you attend side events in Cannes?
Stahel: I specifically look at different categories. I'm amazed at what new ideas people come up with again and again on the same topic - or not.
Your favorite place in Cannes?
Stahel: Top row seat 85, below the air conditioner.

Trembling date for Meyer's

The next nerve-wracking meeting for Meyer’s editorial and publishing staff has been scheduled for this Friday.

The next trembling date for the editorial and publishing employees of Meyer's has been set for this Friday.then they are to be informed about their future, according to information from editorial circles. Bruno Derungs, legal representative of Meyer's, confirmed the date, but told WerbeWoche that this was not yet the deadline for the sale. However, he said the matter would be over by next Tuesday. Derungs denies the assumption that Meyer's is still tied to the already sold Meyer Print AG for a longer period of time with a printing contract, which would be a serious obstacle to the sale. There are "no contractual ties whatsoever".As far as the circulation of Meyer's, which may have been certified much too high in April, is concerned, the results of an internal review are still pending. "I have commissioned the relevant clarifications, but do not yet know the result," Derungs said. (dse)

Martin Spillmann, CD Spillmann Felser Leo Burnett

What are your favorite Swiss things?

Your Swiss favorites?Martin Spillmann: On TV: "Gemeinsam gegen Gewalt" by Wirz and "Médecins sans Frontières" by Advico Young & Rubicam, for which I did a little midwifery work. Unfortunately, I can't think of more than these two.How will Switzerland do?
Spillmann: I'm guessing about ten shortlist nominations and three to four lions. But only if we are very, very lucky.
Your favorite for the Grand Prix?
Spillmann: The short films for BMW America by Guy Richie, Wong Kar Wei and Inanite that run on the Internet. Or the X-Box spots by BBH.
What do you think about the inclusion of direct marketing?
Spillmann: As long as there is still enough room in the hotels and good restaurants of Cannes and the surrounding area, I don't really care about this innovation.
Will you also look at other than classic advertising?
Spillmann: The Media and Cyberlions interest me insofar as they also award prizes for surprising ideas and concepts.
Should Switzerland be more active with events?
Spillmann: You should do more: More good advertising. Then the others will automatically take notice of us.
Your sidelines in Cannes?
Spillmann: I've never taken my bathing suit with me. What I definitely don't miss are the "New Talents" by Saatchi & Saatchi.
Your favorite place in Cannes?
Spillmann: Seat 218 in the fourth row of the large movie theater.

Gmür bids farewell to CCP's BoD

Peter Gmür, former owner of the outdoor advertising company Plakanda

Peter Gmür, former owner of outdoor advertiser Plakanda and Chairman of the Board of Clear Channel Plakanda (CCP) following its sale to Clear Channel, resigned from all functions at CCP at the end of April. In doing so, Gmür wanted to avoid any conflicts of interest with his new function as head of RMB Switzerland and RMB Austria (see page 19). In addition, his function as Chairman of the Board of Directors was limited in time, he said upon request. The new Chairman of CCP Holding is Arthur Loepfe, a former member of the Board of Directors. Beat Roeschlin, previously a delegate to the Board of Directors, became Chairman of the Board of Directors of all operating companies. Beat Sulzer and Andreas Dörler are now also represented on all boards of directors of the operating companies (mk).

Jean Etienne Aebi, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis

What are your favorite Swiss things?

Your Swiss favorites?Jean Etienne Aebi: Film: Perskindol. Print: ZVV.How many lions are there for Switzerland?
Aebi: Shortlist: Too few. Lions: Maybe two.
Which international advertising has a chance of winning a Grand Prix?
Aebi: If I only knew! Maybe Levi's "Freedom to move", because emotion is the order of the day.
Do you think DM is a useful addition to the advertising festival?
Aebi: Money-making to the hilt.
Do you also look at cyberlions or DM in Cannes?
Aebi: The latter, as far as it goes.
Should BSW and SW do more lobbying for Swiss advertising in Cannes?
Aebi: More. But not there, but before: More in shots or Lürzers pure.
What headline would you use to arouse curiosity abroad about "Made in Switzerland" advertising?
Aebi: "The smaller the smarter. Swiss advertising."
Will you also be attending seminars or hanging out on the beach in Cannes?
Aebi: If you're not there until Wednesday evening, you'd better concentrate.
Your favorite place in Cannes?
Aebi: I won't tell.
What arguments do you use to convince your agency's accounting department not to skimp on expenses for Cannes this year?
Aebi: If you don't measure yourself against the best, you only think you're good.
If the Swiss go away empty-handed: How do you explain that to your customers?
Aebi: All the explanations won't help.

Blood, sweat and tears

Using media and marketing power to launch a successful girl group

With media and marketing power, a successful girl group was launchedBy Daniel Schifferle TV 3 had barely launched "Popstars Schweiz," the first successful test-tube band in this country, when the station shut down. Goldbach Media was commissioned to coordinate the concentrated media and marketing power for the girl group Tears. At the Mediarena event, the case offered the best entertainment.
Goldbach Media passed the first big public baptism at its new location in Küsnacht. Far more guests than expected attended the lavishly endowed Mediarena event package (see box). The new event for electronic media offered a broad mix of theory and practice, with the show element not neglected either.
The best example of how to provide the required audience with information and at the same time excellent entertainment was the case of the Swiss girl group Tears. Including live performance of the four girls.
One after the other. The great era of the retort bands began in the eighties. Hundreds of boy and girl groups tried to follow the path to success designed on the drawing board and steered by a lot of media and marketing power. Several of them reached the finish line, as names like New Kids On The Block, East 17, Spice Girls or Take That testify. The Swiss me-too bands, on the other hand, failed to achieve success. At the end of the 1990s, the boy band Code 5 disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. And Pure Pleasure did not make the breakthrough either, despite the name recognition of their protagonists Sven Epiney and Reto Peritz.
Low half-life of the retort bands
It was not until the TV program "Popstars" on TV 3, a format that had previously been successfully aired abroad, that the breakthrough came. Starting in September 2001, more than 1,200 young women competed in front of the camera for 16 weeks. The problem: When TV 3 went off the air on December 23, 2001, the Tears lost their platform.
As Mehmet Inan and Etienne Bujard of Goldbach Media explained, this meant that what had previously been a small contract became a big one overnight. Goldbach Media was given the task of ensuring and coordinating broad coverage in the area of electronic media. This included not only the networking of the electronic off- and online media TV, radio and Internet - the integration of events, B2B, sales/distribution and promotion were also part of the complex job. In particular, synergies with the sister group No Angels (RTL 2) had to be used in the best possible way. An important step: The Tears, who had made it to the top of the Swiss singles charts with their hit "Music," were allowed to provide the theme song for the new show "Teen-Star" on RTL 2.
The next step is to sell the Tears in Germany. But whether the success achieved in Switzerland with a lot of TV and marketing power can also be transferred to Germany remains to be seen. The same applies to the durability of the success already achieved. Because as experience shows, the half-life of test-tube bands is generally short.
Mediarena: To be continued

Organizer Goldbach Media is more than satisfied with Mediarena, the new communications forum for electronic media, which was held for the first time on June 5 and 6 in Küsnacht and Zurich. On each of the two days, 230 guests followed the presentations given in parallel in two rooms. Around 400 people enjoyed themselves at the closing party in the Werfthalle Zurich-Wollishofen. "We were literally overrun, as we originally expected only 150 people," says Bettina Singeisen, spokeswoman for Goldbach Media. The content of the event was also well received by the audience. "We've never had such a positive response to an event before," says Singeisen.
The Mediarena will therefore certainly have a sequel. "Perhaps already this year on a smaller scale," explains Singeisen. For example, one could well imagine institutionalizing the Mediarena as part of other Goldbach Media events. What exactly will happen is the subject of internal discussions that are now being held intensively.

Weighty facts

Euro RSCG is helping the news magazine Facts improve its image

Euro RSCG gives the news magazine Facts an image makeoverClearly aligned with the relaunch of Weltwoche, the new Facts image campaign is launched after a change of agency and a long break. What Frank Bodin's Euro-RSCG team designed for the weekly magazine is also aimed at Köppel's magazine in terms of content. The Zurich agency is implementing its advertising idea - the concise formula "Facts = breadth ¥ depth ¥ emotion" - in a stringent print and poster campaign. This is based on a consumer insight. According to this, Facts achieved high scores for variety of topics and emotions, but low scores for the quality factor analysis. Editor-in-chief Hannes Britschgi and publishing director Christoph Marty saw a need for action in this area. page 6

Patrick Lienert, CD DDB Zurich

What are your favorites at Cannes?

Patrick Lienert: Güggel spot for Radio DRS, Gelbe Seiten, Kuoni, Total/Migros and a secret favorite: the Swisscom Internet film by Contexta. In the Press & Poster: Kuoni and Tibet - how does Switzerland fare?
Lienert: Seven works on the shortlist and two Lions.
What do you think of the DM's inclusion in the Cannes Festival?
Lienert: Of course it's profiteering. But everyone is free to take an interest in it.
Are you also looking at Media- and Cyberlions as well as the new DM?
Lienert: It's like with magazines. You read everything you can get your hands on, including Schweizer Illustrierte.
What is your secret favorite spot in Cannes?
Lienert: A seat in the helicopter cab from Nice to Cannes. Every boy's heart beats faster.
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