Dengler: Search could take months

It may still be some time before Markus Spillmann’s successor as editor-in-chief of the NZZ is named. «We’ll have a new editor-in-chief when we’re ready,» said NZZ CEO Veit Dengler on Monday evening in Vienna.

This could well take a few more months. In recent days, there have been many rumors and untruths surrounding the announcement of Spillmann's departure, Dengler said at a NZZ.at club evening, according to the Austrian news agency APA. There is currently a process being led by the board of directors, at the end of which there will be a new name, Dengler said. In the course of this, the editorial team will also be consulted, he added. However, communication on this matter on the part of the Board of Directors could definitely be improved, he admitted.

Dengler did not want to make a quick decision his primary goal, saying that he simply needed "the best people. In the meantime, he was not worried about the paper itself, as there was sufficient expertise in the editorial team and, with the three deputy editors-in-chief, a functioning editorial team.

Spillmann is leaving the newspaper at the end of the year, as was announced last week. Behind the departure are differing views on how the group should reorganize its journalistic management in the NZZ division. On Monday, Markus Somm, editor-in-chief of the Basler Zeitung, had announced that he had been under discussion as a successor but had decided against it (Werbewoche.ch reported).

NZZ.at to be launched on January 21

The launch of NZZ.at is already fixed: The Austrian offshoot will go "live" on January 21, as Dengler announced on Monday. The Austrian emphasized that journalism will remain the core business of the NZZ. All in all, he said, there are currently four to five projects in the quiver, which will be presented in the coming months. In Austria, NZZ.at should find a place in the quality segment, he said. "It's time for digital paid products," Dengler said. Dengler did not want to rule out the possibility that a weekly newspaper in print could follow if it is successful. (SDA)

Angels Hand Out Poisoned Christmas Cookies

«Would you like to try an arsenic-filled Mailänderli or a strychnine-filled Brunsli?» angels asked on the streets of Winterthur on Sunday, offering Christmas cookies for people to sample.

According to the statement, many passersby stopped in confusion—and in some cases, shock—but were then immediately informed about the background of this animal welfare campaign. The AG STG (Swiss Coalition Against Animal Testing) used its self-developed and implemented campaign, «Poisoned Christmas Cookies,» to demonstrate that the results of animal testing cannot be applied to humans.

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Every year, more than 600,000 animals are used in animal testing in Switzerland. Many of these experiments are conducted to determine whether an active ingredient is toxic or not. 'Consumer safety is very important. However, animal testing does not ensure safety, because humans are not 70-kg rats. Humans and animals often react completely differently to various active ingredients and poisons,« says Andreas Item, managing director of AG STG, and immediately adds a few examples of well-known poisons: »For example, arsenic is well tolerated by sheep and other ruminants. The same applies to strychnine for monkeys, chickens, and guinea pigs, and likewise to cyanide for toads and koala bears.«

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Thomas Hartung of the «Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing» demonstrates in an article published in the renowned scientific journal *Nature* that approximately 60 percent of the substances classified as toxic in animal testing—and therefore not investigated further—are non-toxic to humans. Conversely, up to 40 percent of substances that are toxic to humans are not detected in animal testing and are therefore declared non-toxic to humans. Depending on the animal species used, toxicity tests yield completely different results. Similarly, dog owners know that foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and many others are dangerous or even deadly to their four-legged friends.

The Swiss Coalition Against Animal Testing has long called for the consistent promotion and use of safe, animal-free research methods.
 

Y&R: Advertising placed on Wikipedia

As is well known, Wikipedia is ad-free. And yet, the Y&R Group Switzerland has designed a banner campaign that has been running on the free encyclopedia since mid-December.

As part of the Wikimedia Foundation's annual fundraising campaign, the banners remind people that Wikipedia is only ad-free and independent because the cost of the server infrastructure is funded by donations. "This is advertising. Make sure it stays the only one." The banners will be shown to Wikipedia users from Switzerland in their respective languages. In parallel, previous donors will receive a mailing in the same style. Again, this is advertising that makes itself the subject: "You have this advertisement for Wikipedia in your mailbox, so that Wikipedia can remain ad-free on the Internet." The fundraising campaign is the first measure from Wikimedia CH's collaboration with Y&R. Further work will be seen in 2015.

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Responsible at Wikimedia CH: Stéphane Coillet-Matillon (Board of Directors), Charles Andrès (Chief Science Officer), Muriel Staub (Community Liaison German-speaking Switzerland). Responsible at Y&R Group Switzerland: Thomas Engeli (Creative Direction), Thomas Bosson (Art Direction), Diana Zberg (Design), Fabian Küchler (Text), Elias Zurbuchen (DTP), Robert Seidl (Programming), Martin Sauter (Consulting, Project Management).
 

Somm will not move to NZZ

Markus Somm will remain with the Basler Zeitung and will not become editor-in-chief of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. However, discussions have taken place.

In a statement released on Monday, Somm confirmed that discussions had taken place between him and the leadership of the NZZ Media Group regarding the appointment of a new editor-in-chief for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. After careful consideration, he decided to continue in his role as editor-in-chief and publisher of the Basler Zeitung without change. His goal is to continue publishing an exceptional, high-profile daily newspaper for the Basel region and Switzerland. According to the SDA, Somm thanked BaZ employees in an email «for your loyalty and resilience, which you have demonstrated during these turbulent times.».

Somm was widely regarded by the media and internal sources as the leading candidate to succeed Markus Spillmann, the dismissed editor-in-chief of the NZZ (Werbewoche.ch reported). (hae/pd)

Image: Keystone

Franz & René: Subscription instead of ticket

Frimobil, the Fribourg public transportation authority, has commissioned Franz & René to launch a campaign highlighting the advantages of a route pass over single-ride tickets across the entire Fribourg transit network.

The campaign highlights the convenience of the route season ticket by showing the most important values for commuters. The motifs are composed of real individual tickets. "Easy", "Free" and "Clever" is a subscription for more than 30 one-way tickets per month!

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Posters, advertisements, counter animation, small posters in buses, subscription covers and a new website, which will go online at the beginning of 2015, will be used.

Responsible at Frimobil: Roman Plater (Marketing Manager at TPF for Frimobil). Responsible at Franz & René: Valérie Pecalvel (Strategic Direction); Luciano Gerber (Client Service Direction); Vincent Eichenberger (Campaign Manager); Marco De Albuquerque (AD); Barbara Müller (Graphic design).

 

Last but not least: invisible

Cyclists would do well to wear clothing that is as visible as possible. The clothing brand Proviz specializes in this and provides good arguments for its products with a campaign.

When the sun disappears, the visibility of cyclists in road traffic decreases rapidly. Especially in the "dark" season and when it rains, it is difficult for motorists to recognize two-wheeled road users early: Their often inadequate lighting - if available at all - is usually not sufficient to make themselves clearly enough noticeable in evening traffic next to more garish light sources.

A problem that car drivers are well aware of - no wonder, since they are constantly confronted with the fear of accidentally hitting a cyclist. Some cyclists are quite different: they simply don't seem to realize that their dark clothing and puny lights will get them lost in the dark. There is no other explanation for their barely visible presence.

Special garments could help with that. A lot of help, as a campaign by agency Abott Mead Vickers BBDO for clothing brand Proviz shows. Proviz specializes in reflective clothing that ensures maximum visibility. In the interactive film "Out of the Dark" the viewer can switch the cyclist's special jacket on and off at the click of a mouse - and marvel at the difference. The trailer:
 

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As is well known, this year again there are more meaningful gifts than alcoholic beverages. Home-knitted wool socks, for example. Or perhaps a product from Proviz? (hae)

Blocher sees "no sense" in participation in NZZ

In the Sunday press, Christoph Blocher denies an interest in the NZZ. The board of directors seems to have decided on Markus Somm as Spillmann's successor - but could encounter considerable resistance with the plan.

He has no appetite for the NZZ, Blocher said in an interview that appeared in the Sonntagszeitung and Matin Dimanche. "It wouldn't make sense either." That's because to be a shareholder in NZZ, he said, you have to be liberal. But he has no plans to change parties, he said. He would regret Somm's departure from BaZ, but - as for every key position - he has a possible replacement in mind. His remark in the "Arena" that one would learn more about a tough negotiation led by him in four weeks, however, had nothing to do with the media.

He also "clearly" ruled out a deal between BaZ and NZZ. "Medienvielfalt-Holding was, after all, founded specifically to keep BaZ independent of publishers," Blocher said. "There are no negotiations, not in any way, shape or form," Blocher also said in this regard in an interview with the newspaper Schweiz am Sonntag.

Jornod campaigned for Somm

Even if Blocher does not want to take a direct stake in the NZZ, it is clear to the Sunday press that Markus Somm, who is loyal to the line, should succeed Spillmann. At least if the board of directors has its way. According to research by Sonntagszeitung, NZZ President Etienne Jornod is said to have personally lobbied the board of directors for Somm's "tighter political line" and convinced a majority.

According to Schweiz am Sonntag, Somm's appointment as editor-in-chief could cause great internal turmoil. Several members of the management - including René Zeller, head of domestic operations - are said to have threatened to resign if Somm becomes their new boss. The editorial team is also insisting on the editorial statutes, according to which it must be consulted in the event of a change of editor-in-chief. A meeting of the board of directors with the department heads is scheduled for Tuesday. According to author Christof Moser, NZZ sources believe that the board of directors "completely" underestimates the explosive nature of the Somm personnel issue among shareholders, employees and readers, and that the "Somm coup" could possibly still be foiled. (hae/SDA/SaS/Soz)

Image: Keystone
 

Mörgeli wants survey ban for SRG

SVP National Council member Christoph Mörgeli is submitting a parliamentary initiative that would ban radio and TV stations from conducting polls in the run-up to referendums.

The ban is intended to apply to SRG media and other licensed media outlets. The motion was prompted by the repeated inaccurate predictions in SRG polls conducted by pollster Claude Longchamp, as reported by the newspapers *Schweiz am Sonntag* and *NZZ am Sonntag* in their latest issues. According to these reports, the forecast for the Ecopop initiative—which, according to Mörgeli, was «absurdly far from reality» (74.1 percent voted «No» instead of the predicted 56 percent)—was the last straw. The National Council cites “scientific findings” that are said to demonstrate the opinion-shaping and mobilizing effects of polls on voting behavior. Furthermore, it argues that it is unacceptable for the SRG to have the same companies comment on the polls that they also conducted.

According to *Schweiz am Sonntag*, «poll flops» have been piling up lately. The Mass Immigration Initiative was rejected in the polls with only 43 percent voting in favor. Longchamp also predicted that the Minaret Initiative would be rejected. And in the vote on the highway vignette, a “yes” vote was predicted, but the result was a clear “no.” According to Longchamp, polls are not predictions but rather snapshots of a moment in time. (hae/SaS)

Teaser image (Mörgeli/Longchamp): Keystone

Party for the 15th anniversary

The free newspaper 20 Minuten celebrated its milestone birthday at Zurich's Kaufleuten on Friday evening.

Eight well-known Swiss musicians/bands performed at Kaufleuten on Friday evening to mark the 15th anniversary of 20 Minuten under the musical direction of Adrian Stern: Stefanie Heinzmann, Bligg, Stress, Baschi, Nicole Bernegger, Dabu Fantastic, DJ Antoine and 77 Bombay Street jammed in front of the readers of 20 Minuten and the invited guests.

Afterwards, the party continued at the "15 Years 20 Minutes Party" with DJ Antoine, DJ Cruz, Alex Price, Johnny Roxx and DJ Whiz Kid at Kaufleuten. Tickets for the event were raffled off. 

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At the microphone: Baschi, Stefanie Heinzmann, Nicole Bernegger, Dabu Fantastic and Adrian Stern (from left to right)

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Bligg in front of an enthusiastic audience

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The boys from 77 Bombay Street

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A burning 15 for the crowning finale

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After the concert, the party continued at Kaufleuten.

Photos: Simone Isliker/Advertising Week
 

Republica invents fairy tale for Thun South

Republica, in collaboration with the Thun Süd shopping center, designed and implemented a comprehensive Christmas campaign. In addition to initiatives such as posters and radio spots, the centerpiece of the campaign is a fairy tale that was specially written and illustrated.

The Christmas story of the "lost sleigh" takes you into the fairytale winter forest, where Santa Claus and his helpers experience an exciting adventure. With coloring pictures, tricky puzzles and a personal detective badge, children can play an active role in shaping the story.In addition to the fairy tale book, the campaign included various activities for young and old in the centers, various radio spots to promote them, online measures, advertisements, and posters.

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High frequencies thanks to web advent calendar

On the websites of the shopping centers Upper Country Center and Panorama Center an Advent calendar of a special kind attracts visitors. Up to 1,200 entries are recorded daily. The technical concept and programming of the web application was developed by the Biel-based marketing agency Business4you. On December 24, the main prize, a Samsung Smart TV, will be drawn.

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Responsible at Thun South: Eleonora Stückrad (Center Manager Thun South), Beatrice Aebi (Branding/Communication Thun South). Responsible at Republica: Mike Krüll (creative direction), Kerstin Berk (art direction), Nadia Jost, Fabienne Lötscher (graphics), Raffael Futterlieb (text), Raphaela Brühlmeier (consulting), Bala Trachsel (overall responsibility), Dominic Beyeler (illustration). Responsible at Business4you: Linus Rudolph (online marketing), Peter John (project conception), Frank Thelemann (programming), Andrea B. Roch (overall responsibility).
 

Leo Burnett Switzerland: Selfies as masterpieces

Leo Burnett created an international print campaign for Samsung's selfie camera.

Samsung was the first manufacturer worldwide to launch a camera optimized for taking "selfies" this year. The NX mini has a 180-degree swiveling display and a particularly fast interchangeable lens. These and other features enhance the quality experience of the now widespread way of taking pictures to such an extent that the word "selfie" hardly applies anymore, as it is rather associated with average cell phone photos.

Leo Burnett Switzerland transformed the USP into a masterful print campaign that is used internationally. Albrecht Dürer, Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo are not only seen in the pose they strike in their famous self-portraits. We also get to observe the act of portraiture itself - looking into the NX mini held by the long arm. The images, which appear to be painted, were realized exclusively with photographic means.

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Responsible at Samsung: Michelle Potgieter (Head of Corporate Marketing). Responsible at Leo Burnett Switzerland: Axel Eckstein (ECD), Johannes Dörig, Pedro Moosmann (Art Direction), Fabian Windhager (Text), Annika Seidel, Milos Stokic (Consulting), Suzana Kovacevic (Art Buying), Hobby Film (Photo Production), Fredrik Ödman (Photography).
 

Working hours at Somedia under review

Syndicom and Impressum are taking a close look at the publishing house Somedia in Graubünden after the major Zurich media houses. Time recording at the daily newspaper Südostschweiz is to be reviewed by the Labor Inspectorate.

Simplified time recording, as introduced by the publishing house Somedia, could only be accepted by journalists' organizations if it was agreed within the framework of a collective labor agreement, the trade union Syndicom and the professional association Impressum announced on Friday. The media workers are otherwise dependent on the health protection of the statutory time recording. No comment on the latest developments could be obtained from the publishing house Somedia - to which Werbewoche also belongs - on Friday. The company will comment, but at a later date, it said in response to a request from news agency SDA.

Call for CLA negotiations

The ad is connected with the campaign "jetzt schlägt's 13". According to the unions, this is a targeted campaign to defend the working conditions of journalists on the 13th of each month. The major Zurich publishing houses NZZ, Tamedia and Ringier as well as the Zehnder Media Group in Wil SG were reported to the police. They too are accused of not recording the working hours of media workers in accordance with the law. This makes it impossible to check statutory health protection. The complaint also calls on the media companies to enter into negotiations with the media workers' organizations on a collective labor agreement (CLA). No such agreement has existed between journalists and publishers in German-speaking Switzerland or in Ticino for ten years. (SDA)

Note: Original SDA message adjusted, Somedia was not displayed.

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