The cost of the free subscriptions for around 3,700 young citizens per year is estimated at CHF 175,000. "The idea is aimed at arousing the interest of young people and ensuring that democracy functions properly," explained Olivier Curty, Director of Economic Affairs and Vocational Training, in the Grand Council. At the same time, the aim is to strengthen the regional media.

The FDP and SVP, on the other hand, questioned the necessity of such a measure. Several politicians also doubted the success of the offer. "A flop is not out of the question," said Christian Clément, a centrist politician. His FDP colleague Savio Michellod pointed out that similar initiatives had only been accepted to a very limited extent in recent times.

Young people who come of age will be able to apply for a subscription using an online form. Only online subscriptions to regional media are included in the offer. (SDA)

FAST channels are becoming increasingly popular. They offer topic-specific content for different interests and target groups while combining linear television with on-demand content. For this reason, Zattoo has been continuously expanding its range of FAST channels since last year. Last year, the TV streaming provider added over 25 new themed channels to its program. With the current launch of 18 additional FAST channels, Zattoo is now offering over 40 channels in order to meet the different interests and preferences of users. It also allows advertisers to address their target groups more precisely, as Constanze Gilles, Head of Consumer Business at Zattoo, explains: "Offering topic-specific channels is another advantage of Internet TV over traditional reception channels such as cable or satellite."

All channels are available in HD quality. Zattoo users in Germany, Austria and Switzerland can now find the new channels in their channel overview and can add them to their personal channel list as favorites if they wish. The program can also be paused and restarted at any time.

Fabio Blasi and Sabine Williams succeed the retiring Board members Claudia Di Giuseppe, Lindt & Sprüngli, Matthias Mölleney, PeopleXpert, and Nils Rickert, Smart Decisions. All three have been board members since the association was founded in 2011 and have had a strong influence on the association for over ten years, according to a press release: "And with our two new board members, we are laying the foundations to continue the successful work of recent years."

Sabine Williams explained her motivation for joining the Perikom Board as follows: "Motivated employees are crucial to the success of a company. Efficient interaction between the HR and communications departments is therefore essential. As a new member of the Perikom Board, I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive forward exciting topics in HR communications and promote mutual understanding between HR and internal communications."

Fabio Blasi added: "In my role as Head of Sourcing & Employer Branding, I work closely with Corporate Marketing and Communications. Our areas of focus complement each other perfectly and we benefit from each other. I am delighted to have been elected to the Perikom Board. I discovered my passion for HR during my Bachelor's degree at the HWZ. I am all the more pleased to be able to make my contribution."

A spin-off would result in two listed companies. MFE intends to submit a corresponding proposal for the spin-off at the ProSiebenSat1 Annual General Meeting on April 30. In this context, the company around the Berlusconi family is also arguing for the inclusion of an expert for takeovers and mergers on the Supervisory Board.

ProSiebenSat.1 is divided into three segments: The Entertainment business, with Joyn at its core, was responsible for two thirds of Group revenues in 2023, primarily through advertising in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Around 80% of the operating result adjusted for special effects (EBITDA) comes from the core business.

A thorn in MFE's side, however, is the dating division (ParshipMeet Group) and the e-commerce business with companies such as Flaconi, Verivox and Jochen Schweizer Mydays - all of which MFE wants ProSiebenSat.1 to divest. "The ProSiebenSat.1 Executive Board has repeatedly expressed its intention to separate the segments, but has not yet made any significant progress in this respect," argued the major shareholder. According to the ProSiebenSat.1 website, MFE holds around 26 percent of the shares.

As recently as Wednesday, ProSiebenSat.1 Supervisory Board Chairman Andreas Wiele called for a rapid reorganization of the Group with a focus on television and streaming. "A conglomerate that is active in many areas has never worked, especially not in the media business," said Andreas Wiele in an interview with the South German Newspaper. (SDA)

Despite increasing uncertainty about communication budgets, the majority of PR professionals surveyed are optimistic about the current financial year, as the survey shows. Almost 90 percent of those surveyed stated that they consider their jobs to be very secure or secure. In contrast, the majority expect budgets to stagnate or even decline. The general business development and personal professional situation, on the other hand, are viewed rather positively.

PR professionals see their jobs as secure

More than half of those surveyed consider their current job to be secure (52%). Over a third (35%) even believe that their current job is very secure. A smaller proportion of PR professionals (11 percent) are worried about their own job: 9 percent state that their current job is insecure and 2 percent even consider it to be very insecure.

Differences can be seen between PR professionals from agencies and media outlets: Respondents from agencies clearly see their job as less secure, with almost one in five believing their job is at risk this year (19 percent uncertain or very uncertain). In the case of media outlets, only just over one in twenty respondents fear losing their job in 2024 (7 percent uncertain or very uncertain).

Communication budgets are wobbling

This job security is particularly striking when the results are compared with the development of communication budgets in 2024. While PR professionals are optimistic about the future when asked about job security, the results of the question about the development of communication budgets show a great deal of uncertainty. A significant proportion of respondents assume that their own company's communications budget or that of their clients will stagnate or even fall this year: 43% state that it will remain unchanged, 37% assume that it will shrink or shrink significantly. Only around one in six see a positive development and believe that the communication budget will increase or rise sharply (16%).

Media agencies are also more optimistic on this point: a good one in five believe that the communication budget will increase or even increase significantly (21%). In comparison, not even one in ten agencies expect an increase or a strong increase (8 percent).

Positive trends in general business development

Despite the majority of concerns about budgets, the results of the PR Trend Monitor show rather positive signals with regard to the general business development of the industry. A majority of respondents describe current business development as satisfactory or even rather good or very good (43% satisfactory, 31% rather good, 7% very good). Less than a fifth see business at risk in 2024 (16% rather poor, 2% very poor).

Own professional situation remains unchanged or improves

The results on the professional situation reflect these positive trends. PR professionals are rather confident about the year that has just begun: 37% say that their professional situation in 2024 will remain unchanged compared to the previous year. 30 percent even believe that things will get better and 5 percent expect the professional situation to improve significantly. Only a quarter of respondents expect their career prospects to worsen or even deteriorate significantly this year: 21% expect it to get worse, 4% clearly worse.

The results at a glance

Do you think that 2024 will be better or worse for you professionally compared to 2023?

• Clearly better 5%
• Rather better 30%
• Exactly the same 37%
• Rather poor 21%
• Clearly worse 4%
• Do not know 3%

How will your company's communication budget develop in 2024 and how will your customers' communication budgets develop in 2024?

• Will rise sharply 2%
• Will rise 14%
• Unchanged 43%
• Will shrink 31%
• Will shrink considerably 6%
• Do not know 3%

How do you assess the general business development of your company for 2024?

• Very good 7%
• Rather good 31%
• Satisfactory 43%
• Rather poor 16%
• Very bad 2%
• Don't know 2%

How secure do you think your current job will be in 2024?

• Very safe 35%
• Safe 52%
• Unsafe 9%
• Very unsafe 2%
• Don't know 2%

For the PR Trend Monitor News Aktuell and PER conducted an online survey in February 2024 with 327 communicators from companies, organizations and PR agencies in Switzerland and Germany.

The official "Limmatputzete" took place in the fall of 2023. On this occasion, the Limmat is systematically searched for foreign objects by divers. Many bicycles that have fallen victim to vandalism and been thrown into the river also turn up. And there they slowly rust away.

In order to demonstrate its in-house bike service, Ochsner Sport has taken care of particularly worn-out bikes and given them a second life.

The bikes from the river were first cleaned of shells and dirt in the workshop. Then the frames and components were checked for roadworthiness. Usable frames were completely stripped and sandblasted. The bare frames were then preserved twice so that they would not rust any further, but would still retain the rusty look that the river had given them. Finally, the bikes were fitted with selected parts that matched the respective style and bike type.

The result is the Limmatbikes - each bike is unique. The Limmatbikes are accompanied by a cross-media campaign. All advertising material leads to Limmatbike.chwhere the bikes can be purchased at auction. All proceeds will be donated to the WWF, which is involved in various projects for water protection in Zurich and Switzerland.

Bids for the bikes can be placed immediately. The Limmatbikes will also be on display in the shop windows of OSP Pros in Europaallee until the end of March.

Responsible at Ochsner Sport: Marco Greco (Head of Marketing), Patrizia Fiechter (Team Leader Classic Communication), Claudio Keist (Team Leader Content & Social Media), Simon Zeder, Andreas Zueger (Classic Communication), Pascal Schörgenhofer (Bike Service). Responsible at Thjnk Zurich: Alexander Jaggy, Pablo Schencke (GF Creation), Lukas Amgwerd, Lukas Frischknecht (Creative Direction), Raymi Mendoza, Leandro Disler (Art Direction), Moritz Houmard (Graphic Design), Andrea Bison (GF Consulting), Roxane Bründler, Andrea Häfliger, Annika Seidel-Gudelj (Consulting), Gordon Nemitz (GF Strategy). External partners: Jensen & Heitz (Film & Photography).

A total of 45 teams submitted 88 entries - almost a record in the history of the ADC Young Creatives Awards. This year, the youngsters had to make the new GMZ children's program "Murpfi" from briefing partner Genossenschaft Migros Zürich "known with a 'bang'" and "as popular as possible".

The primary aim was not just to find implementations, but big ideas for a relatively small budget: "We were looking for smart ideas that are simple and touch the heart. And the youngsters understood this and delivered. We are happy and delighted," says Sven Guggenheim, Head of Marketing Communication at the Migros Cooperative Zurich.

The "Direct" category received a particularly high number of entries this year. "We are really impressed by the large number of great entries in this category. I particularly like the fact that direct marketing, especially when it comes to emotional and personal topics, is also used by young talents and is beautifully staged in cross-media campaigns," says Fabiène Bachmann, Senior Project Manager Marketing Advertising at Post Advertising.

This year's award ceremony was once again hosted by Céline Werdelis, who is currently part of the SRF 3 moderation team and has already been in front of the camera for "Tele Züri" and behind the microphone for "Radio 24".

The winners of the ADC Young Creatives Award 2024 at a glance

Film category: "Murpfi ischs gsi" by Francesca Kleinstück & Emil Maeder

Outdoor category: "Pen pals" by Luisa Jentzsch & Sandro Schmocker

Cyber category: "dAin radio play" by Fabrice Studer & Manuel Silva

Category Direct: "Murpfi's craft home" by Joséphine Ducret & Natalie Friedrich

In addition to the award, the eight youngsters will also receive membership of the "Young ADC", making them part of ADC Switzerland. They will also receive a "ticket" to join the judging panel at the next ADC judging and thus decide on the shortlist and bronze awards on the first jury day. Thanks to a cooperation with Weischer.Cinema Switzerland, the winning teams in the Film, Outdoor and Cyber categories will also represent Switzerland at the Young Lions Competition in Cannes in June.

Partners of the ADC Young Creatives Award ADC Switzerland are main sponsor Genossenschaft Migros Zürich as well as APG|SGA Out of Home Media, Die Schweizerische Post, Blick, Swissfilm Association, Keystone SDA and Weischer.Cinema Switzerland as official Swiss Cannes Lions representative and ADC cooperation partner. Event partner is LSA Leading Swiss Agencies, media partners are m&k advertisingweek.ch and Personal.

Arriving at work one hundred percent fit, simply riding, as slowly or quickly as you like, pedaling uphill without any inhibitions: in the current brand campaign, M-Way shows its employees in their element on the e-city bike, the S-pedelec or the e-mountain bike. A special feature is that the employees can be seen in their real environment - for example on their way to the office in Zurich or at their workplace in the M-Way store. "When I'm not biking, I'm working here, for you!"

"The new campaign for the start of the season is intended to show the passion of M-Way employees for e-bikes," explains Art Director Alfonso Patermo. "E-bikes made easy" is not just a brand claim, but a guiding principle that M-Way follows. "We want to support people who are either new to e-bikes, who want to get from A to B quickly, easily and flexibly or who want to improve their fitness. Whether it's for everyday use in the city, commuting to work or adventures in nature," adds Elyne Hager, Head of Marketing, Brands & Communications at M-Way. In addition to a team of bike experts and a wide selection of e-bikes and accessories, this also includes advice on ergonomics, service, financing and insurance.

The campaign runs primarily on various social media and online channels throughout the DACH region. It was conceived in-house by M-Way and implemented in collaboration with the production company Out of Order.

Responsible at M-Way: Elyne Hager (Head of Marketing), Alfonso Patermo (Art Director), Lucas Germann (Content Producer), Melanie Brunner (Marketing Specialist).

Lidl has been around in Switzerland for 15 years, or 15 years of the joy of saving, as Lidl Switzerland's anniversary slogan puts it in advertising terms.

This is also the message of the anniversary commercial conceived by Komet and realized together with Manifesto Films, which accompanies an exemplary consumer through the various phases of his life over the last 15 years. And a lot happens in 15 years - especially between the ages of 16 and 31, as the commercial shows. But regardless of whether you shop at Lidl Switzerland as a teenager, student, single person or family man, you always have fun: fun with affordable organic products, fun with affordable sustainability or fun with affordable fresh products.

The specially composed anniversary song "Alles wod bruchsch" is also intended to convey joy - and is also the subject of a dance challenge on TikTok. On the one hand, several short social videos in which the protagonist of the commercial and Chrigu Stucki, Lidl Switzerland's long-standing brand ambassador who has since become the "jumper king", dance through the store shelves, encourage people to take part. On the other hand, various prominent influencers do the same on their own channels.

Responsible at Lidl Switzerland: Raphael Werner, Desirée Sachsenmaier, Giuseppina Giugliano. Responsible at Komet: Corinne Hert (Client Service Director), Michelle Hebeisen (Consulting), Jeff Gerber (CD), Daniel Müller (Concept/Text), Claudio Parente (AD), Cyril Sollberger (Graphics), Lisa Oppliger (DTP). Photo: Cyrill Matter. Film production: Manifesto Films, Zurich; Reto Salimbeni (Director), Shannon Mildon (Producer), Michelle Bucher (Producer) Tilman Cluss (Editor), Andy Jenny (VFX). Recording studio: Dub Dub. Music producer: Reto Salimbeni, Pascal Münger. Media agency: Mediaschneider.

m&k Werbewoche.ch: The next edition of Power Pur is scheduled for May 23, 2024. The event has already grown enormously over the past year. How was last year's edition received by the participants?

Beat Kneubühler: It was very well received by the participants. This was clearly reflected in the survey results after the event in Lucerne, which were excellent - especially with regard to the programme, the organization and the networking opportunities. The event has introduced a new concept and a partnership with Galledia, which have helped to grow and improve the event. The event was very well received by industry participants and the demand for such industry events remains high or has even increased. There is a clear desire from the industry to continue and further develop this format.

What feedback did you receive from your sponsors about the 2023 event?

Daniel Ettlinger: We received very positive feedback from sponsors and partners across the board. The event made an impact for and with the sponsors. This is also reflected in the fact that the existing partners already made a strong case for holding another event this year at the 2023 event and signaled their willingness to financially support the 2024 edition as well. Heidelberg, Koenig&Bauer and Papyrus, who were among the initiators of the 2023 event, have extended their commitment. And other partners have recognized the importance of the event for the graphic arts industry.

So have new partnerships been concluded?

Yes, we are delighted that other important players in our industry have confirmed their participation this year. We are delighted to welcome Antalis and Fischer Papier as Silver Partners and Chromos Group as Bronze Partner. It is clear that such an event would not be possible without the support of sponsors. In my view, it is also important that an event that stands for the industry is broadly supported: this includes the aforementioned sponsors as partners, but of course also the participants. We hope that we will be able to welcome even more colleagues from our industry to the event this year. Only together can we make this event a success.

What is so special about the new event location, JED Events in Schlieren?

Kneubühler: The new event location is characterized by several aspects that make it special for events. Its location in the Zurich area makes it an attractive destination for events. Good public transport connections make it easy for participants to get here. The on-site infrastructure is ideal for a wide range of event formats and supports the smooth running of events. One special aspect is the location's history as a former NZZ printing plant, which creates a direct link to the industry target group and thus offers a unique context for events in the digital and print industry.

What significance does the event have for Galledia and Dpsuisse?

EttlingerWe at Galledia are pleased to be able to do something for our industry. We believe that the graphic arts industry, with its excellent services and products, is often misjudged in the course of the digital transformation. When the media reports on us, it is usually only with negative headlines - for example, about company closures. With this event, we are creating a positive event that is worth reporting on.

KneubühlerFor Dpsuisse, the event embodies far more than just a meeting; it is the beating heart of the graphic arts industry in Switzerland. It functions as an innovation stage and networking platform. It is a dynamic forum for knowledge transfer, cooperation and inspiration that accompanies Dpsuisse members on the path of industry transformation.

For all those who are not yet familiar with the industry event: Why should you not miss out on Power Pur?

KneubühlerPower Pur is an industry event characterized by a top-class programme and renowned speakers. The varied afternoon offers exciting input and stimulating discussions. There are also excellent networking opportunities and the festive presentation of the Swiss Print Award. The unique opportunity to exchange ideas with over 200 key figures in the graphic arts industry and make valuable contacts is particularly valuable.

EttlingerI can only agree with Beat. As with the first edition of the event, we have once again succeeded in putting together a top-class program this year. In addition to inspiring intellectual fare, participants can expect plenty of culinary delights during the day and a touch of glamor in the evening when the Swiss Prints Awards are presented after Power Pur.

From Wednesday, the design changes to "SRF Meteo" can be seen in the app, on the website and on social media. The new look premiered on TV on Wednesday afternoon on SRF 1.  

Further development of the "SRF Meteo App"

The "SRF Meteo App" was outdated and had reached the technological end of its life cycle. To ensure that the app functions reliably and at the same time meets new user needs, it was rebuilt and further developed in terms of technology, content and graphics. For example, the new precipitation map was refined and the forecast period extended. 

Contemporary design for all "Meteo" offers  

At the same time, SRF has also further developed its TV, website and social media offerings and geared them more closely to the needs of the audience in terms of design and technology. "We have optimized the color palette, the weather icons and the maps. There are also new opening and closing credits for the 'Meteo' broadcasts," explains Katrin Schmid, Head of Brand Management Design. However, there are no changes to the "Meteo" umbrella. 

The social media agency of Publicis Groupe Switzerland was able to implement two campaigns for Toblerone in collaboration with influencers. Both campaigns focused on the new, diamond-shaped Toblerone pralines.

The campaigns were played out on Instagram and TikTok, and were supported by ten German and French-speaking Swiss content creators such as @margauxcestdoux, @danihutti and @nathistyle implemented. According to figures, a total of over 11 million people were reached.

Success that pays off

The success seemed to please Toblerone: The company has now signed an open-ended contract with Bagels of Berkeley for the social media account. In collaboration with David Staub, Brand Manager Chocolate at Mondelēz, the Bagels of Berkeley agency now manages Toblerone Switzerland's social media channels. Bagels of Berkeley's services include content creation and playout, community management, strategy and extensions of other marketing measures.

Responsible at Toblerone: David Staub (Brand Manager Chocolate). Responsible agencies: Bagels of Berkeley, Reachbird, Publicis Media.