Being free, saving time, enjoying convenience - these three factors are important to all SBB customers. Nevertheless, so far it is mainly young travelers who rely on the convenient and fast ticket purchase via smartphone. Older - less mobile - people could also benefit greatly from the service. The figures also show that those who have tried it once are so enthusiastic that they buy their tickets online or on the move again and again instead of at the ticket counter.

In the multi-phase national campaign "Simply Explained", which Maxomedia developed for SBB, young people show older generations how to buy their ticket with their cell phone. The aim is to remove older people's fear of technology and reduce their inhibitions about trying out the service for themselves.

In the first phase of the SBB campaign, the biggest advantages are to be publicized first: Freedom, time savings and comfort. Three subjects represent these: Tickets are purchased quickly at school, flexibly at the pub and comfortably from the sofa. In order to communicate the advertising message as authentically as possible, care was taken to ensure that all the protagonists also buy their tickets on the move or online in real life - they thus become genuine ambassadors of the SBB service. The campaign includes posters, banners, advertisements, press reports, a newsletter and the SBB website. Maxomedia is responsible for the idea and implementation of all measures.

Responsible at SBB: Patrick Römer (E-Commerce Manager), David Brunnschweiler (Communications Manager). Responsible at Maxomedia: Michael Engel (Consultant), Stefan Schärmeli (Backend Developer), Dominique Wittwer (Art Director), Anouk Karrer (Copywriter).
 

Hov-Hov produces only the very best quality cookies for its four-legged customers. For all its love, the dog bakery has to admit that even the finest ingredients can sooner or later end up as a useless waste product. Or even as a nuisance if the waste is not disposed of properly in parks. The situation is somewhat less complicated in less frequented, deserted areas. Hov-Hov sends the dogs on a mission: to beautify the area with sunflowers. Sunflower seeds are added to the completely natural ingredients of the cookies. These pass through the dog's intestinal tract unharmed and take up their work after excretion - the necessary dose of fertilizer is supplied at the same time.   

Whether the campaign can be understood as an appeal not to dispose of the dog's legacies remains questionable. It is also unclear how much romance is attached to a sunflower with the aforementioned biographical background. Nevertheless, the idea is somehow charming - at least in the reality of the case film. (hae)

97.11 percent of all Publigroupe shares to which the offer relates have been tendered, according to a press release. Swisscom's stake in Publigroupe, including the shares acquired by Swisscom during the offer, amounts to 98.37 percent. An application to cancel the shares not tendered will be submitted in the coming weeks. With the takeover, Swisscom will take control of the Local Group (Swisscom Directories, LTV Yellow Pages and Local.ch), previously a joint venture between Swisscom and Publigroupe. Swisscom will sell Publigroupe's media holdings. Swisscom will examine all options for the other participations by the end of the year. Publigroupe Holding will remain in existence until further notice.

The Competition Commission has decided not to conduct an in-depth investigation, said spokesman Patrick Ducrey. Ducrey confirmed a report by the Fribourg newspaper La Liberté. This means that Ringier's purchase of Tamedia's stake in Le Temps does not violate antitrust law. Until now, both Zurich-based media houses each held a 46.25 percent stake in the Geneva-based newspaper. Le Temps was offered for sale in October 2013. Several parties then publicly expressed their interest. These included the Friends of Le Temps association, the media VielFalt Holding owned by Christoph Blocher and Tito Tettamanti and Jean-Claude Biver, the head of the LVMH Group's watch business and Hublot president.

92.5 percent of the shares

In April 2014, Ringier finally signed a purchase agreement with Tamedia. Under this agreement, Ringier took over the stake in ER Publishing previously held by Tamedia and became the sole shareholder of ERP and thus the indirect majority shareholder of the French-speaking Swiss daily newspaper Le Temps. Until then, Ringier and Tamedia had jointly controlled Le Temps via ERP. The remaining shares in Le Temps are shared by three parties: Geneva banker Claude Demole owns three percent, the editorial team and staff of Le Temps 2.4 percent and Societé Editrice du Monde SAS a further 2.1 percent. It is not known how much Ringier paid for the Tamedia stake. The director of Ringier Romandie, Daniel Pillard, merely said in April that no knock-down price had been paid.

Ringier strengthens its presence

Le Temps is the only national newspaper in French-speaking Switzerland. Despite a rather small circulation of 39,716 copies and 109,000 readers, the paper is of great importance. French-speaking Switzerland reacted accordingly to the sale. Ringier has promised that the management of Le Temps will remain in French-speaking Switzerland. In addition, the Zurich-based publisher is prepared to invest in the newspaper in French-speaking Switzerland in order to "maintain and improve quality". At the media conference on the takeover, Ringier CEO Marc Walder described it as a "matter of the heart". With the traditional quality newspaper, Ringier is strengthening its strategic position in French-speaking Switzerland and expanding its existing range of French-language products, including L'Hebdo, L'illustré, TV8 and Edelweiss.

Lausanne, Geneva?

The future of the Le Temps editorial team is the subject of heated debate in French-speaking Switzerland. When asked in July, Pillard explained that it had never been Ringier's intention to merge the editorial offices of Le Temps and L'Hebdo. However, the publisher wanted to uncover synergies and keep all doors open, particularly with regard to the location of a possible newsroom. "We are looking for a model, but nothing has been decided yet," Pillard emphasized at the time. Decisions about a reorganization or the location would only be made after the Weko's decision. According to the newspaper Liberté, a meeting between Ringier and the staff will take place on Wednesday. (SDA)

January is responsible for the design as well as the technical realization; CR Kommunikation for the project management and the development of the text content. In order to strengthen its positioning as a global company, the the new corporate website on a generous independent visual language, which shows the cities of the worldwide Marcuard Heritage branches. For a high level of recognition, the previously used clocks were continued and expanded in close-up. The existing color scheme in blue tones was extended by some dynamic accents. By combining a noble serif font with a straightforward no-frills sansseriffont, the traditional as well as the forward-looking aspects of the company are subtly conveyed.

In a modern Responsive concept, the worldwide branches, services and the approximately 60 employees were presented in an appealing way. Through the use of animations and an innovative navigation concept in the technical realization, the user is offered intuitive user guidance and an emotional experience. This also distances the company from the majority of its direct competitors.

The website was implemented in German and English. In a further phase, the Russian version will follow.

Responsible at Marcuard Heritage: Marcuard Heritage: Patrick Stauber. Responsible at January Designbureau: Emanuel Gürth, Fredy Espejo, Vince Hehlen (concept, design and technical realization). Responsible at CR Communication: Thomas Löhrer, Ramona Tarelli (project management and text content).

Graubünden beer conquers Graubünden. For the time being. Because very soon, the lowlands will also be able to enjoy the new Graubünden beer on a wide scale. Bündner Bier is appearing with a completely new brand identity and communication concept under the slogan "So. Und nid anderscht." (Like this and no different). The Chur AG brewery has launched its new product just in time for Gehla, the Graubünden Autumn Fair. The new beer, brewed by Graubünden people for Graubünden people, clearly distinguishes and sets itself apart from the previously known beers from the region in terms of taste and also appearance. The Chur brewery is thus saying goodbye to its previous product, Churer Bier, which was previously also marketed as Bündner Bier. The new Bündner Bier is intended as an alternative for beer drinkers who don't like bitter beer. Probably a slight dig at the local competition.

The Zurich-based BSW agency Inhalt & Form, which counts three real Graubündeners among its ranks, was commissioned with the relaunch and market introduction of the Graubünden beer. The fact that the market launch is primarily taking place in Graubünden also had a strong influence on the creative team at Inhalt&Form: they focused on authenticity, honesty and directness, typical characteristics that make up the charm of Graubünden. The visual appearance, which extends across the branding, the new website, the bottle design and the various communication measures, is straightforward, striking and at the same time modern and refreshing.

At the heart of the campaign are three viral episodes of "Tschapatalpers" - the marketing division of Bündner Bier. In a nutshell: Churer beer becomes Bündner beer, which has to be advertised so gigantically great that it will be on everyone's lips. The marketing department is called upon to come up with the groundbreaking idea that will put the fear of God into the Dutch "Böötli drivers. Otherwise, CEO Klaus says goodbye to Wendy, the intern beloved and coveted by all "Tschapatalpers", and sends her to the dreadful accounting department. A "Wingsut" base jump, in which protagonist Tschischuri opens a Bündner beer in a steep flight, saves Wendy's job.

The campaign is driven by the various social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, which regularly provide witty dialog and entertainment with well thought-out seeding. Within two weeks - since the first two "Tschapatalpers" episodes were published and social seeding started - the Bündner Bier Facebook site already had over 2100 likes, and on Twitter, in addition to entertaining comments and suggestions, Bündner celebrities also joined in the discussions.

The fact that Graubünden beer is enjoying success in its homeland does indeed seem to be becoming a fact. Where will Graubünden beer go in the future? Directly to the Unterland, we would say. Like this. And no other way.

Responsible at Bündner Bier: Martin Bundi (Chairman of the Board), Schimun Murk (Member of the Board). Responsible for content&form: Serge Riedener (CD), Florian Molinari (AD Digital), Karin Estermann (AD), Fabian Zahner (Text/Concept), Nicolas Stark (Graphics), Simon Kümin (Social Seeding), Claudio Zier, Dominik Stibal (Consulting and Heimwehbündner), Kristian Brändle (Consulting Digital), David Constantin (direction, idea and edit), Sandro Calderlari (idea and edit), Sophie Toth (producer, Shining Pictures), Stefan Bircher (production, Shining Pictures), Stefan Künzler (DOP), André Seiler (composition), Bardo and Pete (sound design, edit/mix audio, jingle jungle).

 

The promotion is advertised in print and online media as well as at the POS in Migros. The centerpiece of the communication campaign is an online competition. Freyschenken.ch Internet users are invited to create their own festive day. In addition to a shopping trip to London, gift baskets from Frey and Migros vouchers will also be raffled off.

Responsible at MGB/Chocolat Frey: Patrizia Keller (Marketing Communications Trainee), Sandra Denier (Senior Project Manager M Branded Products), Jürg Spring (Head of Brand/Label Management), Adrian Basler (Head of Category Management Confectionery), Serge Doutaz (Head of Marketing and Sales Chocolat Frey). Responsible at Leo Burnett Switzerland: Pablo Schencke, Barbara Hartmann, David Hugentobler, Vanessa Mermoud (Creation), Johannes Raggio (ECD), Michael Gassler, Fernando Gort, Carmen Jegge, Nino Zuberbühler (Consulting), Erasmo Palomba (Art Buying), Webguerillas (Online).
 

Together with racing driver and proven car tester Fredy Barth, car journalist Nina Vetterli-Treml will put new car models through their paces. Car journalist Andreas Pauli has been recruited as a roving reporter, as detailed in a press release on Friday.

In addition to detailed tests, in which all important models are put to the test, "Tacho" focuses on reports on the subject of mobility, which are then also discussed in an expert talk. With Thomy Scherrer, the popular program now also has a face. The 54-year-old has been hosting the morning show on Radio SRF 1 for over 20 years. "As a technology freak, it's a great pleasure for me to be involved in a broadcast format that is all about cars and mobility. Being mobile is a great way of life, if it weren't for the environmental impact. That's why I've been following the technical development of cars with excitement for years, in the hope that future generations will be able to enjoy driving again without any worries, because only cars with sustainable drive systems will be available to buy."

Swiss racing driver Fredy Barth has already established himself as a car tester for "Tacho". In future, he will be joined by 33-year-old Zurich car journalist Nina Vetterli-Treml, who will test new cars and their characteristics, driving qualities, equipment and specific attributes. Also new to the team of experts is Andreas Pauli as a roving reporter. The 35-year-old from Bern works as a car journalist and is co-owner of a production company. Together with presenter Thomy Scherrer, the three experts will also take part in the panel discussion, in which the content of the individual reports will be discussed, analyzed and explored in greater depth.

SRF has commissioned the production company B&B Endemol Switzerland to produce the program. The Swiss production company V12 Media, which specializes in automobiles, is responsible for producing the reports by Andreas Pauli and the new car tests. "Tacho" will be broadcast every Sunday after "Sportpanorama" on SRF zwei. The first episode of the new season can be seen on October 5, 2014 at 7.30 pm.

The fact that Migros spares no effort when it comes to regional products is also the central idea of Wirz's campaign. In the film, print and on posters, we see Migros employees picking up fresh produce from their suppliers and doing everything humanly possible to bring it safely to Migros.

"Local commitment and close cooperation with local farmers and producers are cornerstones of the Migros cooperatives. The campaign manages to convey this with charm and the typical Migros wink," says Roman Reichelt, Head of Umbrella Brand at Migros. Creative Director Thomas Kurzmeyer adds: "After the first CoR campaign was more rational and didactic, this is a nice evolution. And in addition to Migros, the agency was also able to demonstrate above-average commitment: right down to the copywriter who spontaneously stood in for an actress as a stuntwoman during the film shoot."

The campaign also brings a reunion with a prominent actor: the iconic Migros chicken Chocolate was persuaded to make a guest appearance in the films realized by director Kim Jacobsen.

Responsible at Migros: Marc Engelhard (Head of Marketing Communication), Roman Reichelt (Head of Umbrella Brand Department), Giovanna Colucci (Project Manager Umbrella Brand), Stephanie Luginbühl (Trainee). Responsible at Wirz: Thomas Kurzmeyer (Creative Direction), Sarah Kohl (Text), Niels Schäfer (Art Direction), Astrid Dörig (Graphics), Gordon Nemitz (Strategic Planning), Catrin Bewersdorff, Dominik Laubscher, Nadja Stickl (Consulting), Carmela Guettouche, Kevin Wettstein (Media Realization), Daniela Berther (Agency Producer). Responsible at Markenfilm Switzerland: Kim Jacobsen (Director), Filip Zumbrunn (DoP), Florian Studer (Producer), Spacetrain (Music). Responsible at KT Productions: Arthur Mebius (photographer), Katharina Trachsler (producer).
 

This is to accompany the structural change. The media are of outstanding importance for democracy, said Otfried Jarren, President of the Federal Media Commission (Emek), at a media conference in Bern on Friday. He said that conditions must be created so that the media can continue to provide a broad and diverse range of information for all linguistic and cultural areas of Switzerland. Regional and national newspapers in particular are suffering badly from the funding crisis. They are under pressure in several ways. Advertising is migrating to the Internet. And large IT groups such as Google are increasingly becoming competitors. But there is still no viable business model for online offerings either. The lack of funds is leading to a decline in the quality of independent and politically relevant reporting. The diversity of journalistic opinion is also suffering. Hans-Peter Rohner, EMEK member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the advertising marketer Publigroupe, said that the industry and politicians must take action.

Short- and long-term measures

Emek is in favor of short- and long-term measures for media promotion. In the short term, the news agency SDA should receive funding. The SDA contributes to language understanding. The French- and Italian-language services, however, are in deficit. In addition, Emek advocates promoting journalistic education and training. "Editors today are being asked to work harder, deliver their articles faster and have fewer resources at their disposal," Rohner said. He added that it is also important to support innovations in the media sector.
In the long term, Emek aims to promote journalistic startups. Outstanding editorial or journalistic achievements are also to be supported, for example through trend scouting and the establishment of a research fund. Finally, the commission also wants to promote applied media research.

Establishment of a foundation

In order to achieve its goals, Emek proposes the establishment of a foundation. The core task of such a foundation would be to create the conditions for quality media and journalism as a whole to develop further. Projects of all media genres could be supported in this way. It is important to the Media Commission that the independence of the media is preserved and that the support measures are implemented as far as possible without the influence of the state. The Emek takes as its model the support provided by Pro Helvetia (culture) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (research), both of which are funded by a foundation. The financing of the foundation is still completely open. The Emek did not give any figures on Friday. It merely pointed out that the state currently supports radio and television, education and film with substantial funds.

The commission agrees that indirect support for newspapers via reduced postage rates to the tune of 50 million Swiss francs is no longer appropriate. These funds should be successively used for other purposes. Furthermore, the value-added tax for print and online products should be standardized at a reduced rate.

Violent reactions

The Swiss Media Association (VSM) sees things diametrically differently. Indirect press subsidies are not a discontinued model. On the contrary, if the distribution of press titles becomes even more expensive, the existence of individual newspaper publishers is threatened. The VSM, on the other hand, welcomes the model of media promotion independent of the state.

The Syndicom trade union, the SP Switzerland and Arbus, an association of critical media users, have voiced similar sentiments. The proposals for indirect press subsidies are devastating for the members' press, which contributes significantly to the democratic formation of opinion.
 
The Swiss Syndicate of Media Professionals (SSM) welcomes the Emek proposals. In particular, it supports the establishment of a foundation for media promotion that is independent of the state. (SDA)

Image: Keystone

And this in just one year. First, flight MH 370 disappeared from radar in March and is still missing today. Then, in July, a Malaysia Airlines vacation plane was shot down over Ukraine. In this context, the "bucket list" of vacation destinations is probably a rather unsuccessful PR campaign. Incidentally, free flights to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia can be won.
Like Wuv.de writes, a shitstorm erupted against the airline on social networks after the launch. Malaysia Airlines has since apologized for the inappropriate title of the campaign. The intention was not to offend anyone. However, despite criticism, the competition is to continue until the end of the year. Now, however, without the title "Bucket List". The focus is on the prizes, as the airline emphasizes. According to SDA, the competition, which was launched on September 1 and will run until the end of December, is now called: "Win an iPad or a Malaysia Airlines flight to Malaysia".

So if you already know where you want to go on your death journey, you can still win free flights. Or an Apple iPad. Provided the listing is original. (uma)

Teaser image: Keystone