"We cannot involve all publishers"

In a detailed interview with Christof Moser and Patrik Müller, Ringier partially sidesteps the accusation that it is working with two state-owned companies as part of the joint advertising marketing company Admeira. Swisscom is a listed company and it remains to be seen whether it will be majority-owned by the Confederation for a long time to come. However, Ringier once again emphasized the much-heard foreign argument: 55 percent of the digital advertising pie goes abroad, and some of this must be taken back. He does not rule out the possibility that other media companies could also participate. "But we can't involve all publishers," the publisher adds. It's not about putting each other at a disadvantage - but about the fact that data is the only way to generate advertising. If we don't succeed in penetrating this business, we could "close up store".

Ringier takes sharp aim at the Swiss Media Association: it has no right to exist as long as part of the media reality is excluded. "We have to get the new players on board. Nobody needs a "Täubeli" association".

As far as the future and succession planning are concerned, the publisher is not letting his cards close to his chest. He emphasizes that he has successors. Ringier leaves it open as to whether CEO Marc Walder could one day follow in his footsteps. But he is clear: "It is clear that Ringier must remain the only company Marc has ever worked for".

"Should we only organize fashion nights?"

Michael Ringier is "fundamentally concerned" about journalism and its position in democracy. He wonders how elaborate journalism, which is "absolutely essential for a democratic society", will be financed in the future. Display advertising on smartphones could be forgotten and journalism financed by foundations would lose its roots in society. Ringier is also less than enthusiastic about the model of cross-financing newspapers via classified ads as in the past. It is also about the company's image: "Should we only finance classified ads? Organize fashion nights?" Without journalism, Ringier would become a different company.

But the publisher is not only concerned about Ringier itself - he is also worried about the competition. It is important that journalism remains in the right hands. If, for example, the NZZ were to fall into the wrong hands ("a wonderful prey"), Switzerland would lose an important voice and the country would miss something. (hae/Schweiz am Sonntag)

Photo: Ringier.ch