Laydown

René Worni on the reality and appearance of visual changesWhen editors-in-chief talk about new layouts and newspaper concepts, they go into raptures. Once they get going, they forget that the general readership doesn't really care where the commentary is, how trendy the columnist is, what comprehension aids the new section and infographics offer and so on. Most readers just want to read. And occasionally see a good picture above well-written articles. And not be disturbed by too much advertising on the pages. So that they can elbow their neighbor on the bench in the rib and say: "You absolutely have to read this", or: "Yay!" About two years ago, the editor-in-chief of the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, Peter Hartmeier, was a guest of Markus Gilli on the "Talk täglich" program on Zurich's local radio station. Hartmeier promoted the advantages of the new layout of the Tamedia flagship in a tone of conviction. Nevertheless, Gilli - also a Tamedia employee - tried to keep up in a throaty voice. Was it because of Hartmeier's vehemence or Gilli's poor preparation that it was a complete failure? In any case, there was no obvious reason for a certain dramatization of the conversation. However, the audience had to believe that a palace revolution was underway in the building on Werdstrasse. However, this is in no way true of the Tagi.
On the other hand, there are changes that the audience of traditional newspapers will have to get used to. The NZZ's constant facelift seems to be well received in homeopathic doses. The completely new Landbote is also accepted as a contemporary paper. But is the tabloid Blick still what it used to be? Facts is now also daring to make a bolder appearance. At Basler Zeitung, however, an overloaded concept is leading the editorial team to the edge of what is feasible. Laydown. They are now beginning to return to the tried and tested
René Worni, Editor