April, April with AutoBaz and Radio Bloch
This year, too, numerous newspapers played April Fools' pranks on their readers with wild stories. Among the highlights were a supposed commuter newspaper for drivers published by the Baz, Toni Brunner’s pirate radio station, and a “Federal Beer” for Euro 08.
Once again this year, numerous newspapers sent their readers into April with wild stories. Among the highlights are an alleged Baz newspaper for car commuters, Toni Brunner's pirate radio and a national beer for Euro 08. The news portal Onlinereports takes the Basler Zeitung Medien for a ride: the publishing house is planning to launch an AutoBaZ, a free newspaper for car commuters. Public transport commuters already have a wide choice of free newspapers, but there is still potential for car drivers. The big car advertisement on the Baz front page at the beginning of January would have tipped the scales. Although it had caused annoyance among readers, it had triggered enthusiasm among the automobile associations. The first issue would be published on July 1 - in the first week of the summer vacation. Along commuter congestion routes, 280 automatic distribution boxes, so-called "Metallic Postmen", would be set up.
Onlinereports backs up the story with numerous fictitious quotes. For example, AZ-Medien publisher Peter Wanner reacted to the new competition with the following words: "We also have our arrows in the quiver and will let you hear from us soon. But I'm not talking about that today." Beat Meyer, CEO of Basler Zeitung Medien, takes the joke in his stride. In the comments section on Onlinereports, he says that an important aspect has been forgotten: the metal letter carriers are protesting in the union and cannot be appeased even with free anti-rust products.
Federal beer monopoly to be cracked The Basler Zeitung naturally has its own April Fool's joke in store: the Federal Competition Commission (Weko) is said to be planning to crack the beer monopoly of main sponsor Carlsberg in the Euro fan zones. The Baz refers to an alleged Weko recommendation to the Federal Council. According to this, the Federal Council should remedy the market-preventing monopoly situation. Specifically, it should issue an ordinance to launch a "Federal Beer Euro 2008", which four independent Swiss brewers will allegedly launch in May.
Toni Brunner launches pirate radio station In Eastern Switzerland, SVP President Toni Brunner was sent into April: The Sarganserländer reports that Brunner has thrown in his hat in view of the merger of the Ri and Aktuell radio stations and the discussions about the folk music presence on DRS 1. He wants to go on air with the pirate station "Radio Bloch". The national anthem is to be played at 12 noon each day. In addition, the unflattering title of "Smurf of the Week" is to be awarded to a public figure every Tuesday. Presenters and disc jockeys are now being sought. Conditions of employment: Swiss citizenship, 18 years old, good pronunciation.
Marc Forster is filming in Winterthur The April Fool's joke in the Winterthur Landbote comes from the world of film: It invites interested parties to register as extras for the new "James Bond" film by director Marc Forster. He wants to shoot a scene in Winterthur's Arch parking garage. In the film, however, the action is set in Panama City.
Onlinereports backs up the story with numerous fictitious quotes. For example, AZ-Medien publisher Peter Wanner reacted to the new competition with the following words: "We also have our arrows in the quiver and will let you hear from us soon. But I'm not talking about that today." Beat Meyer, CEO of Basler Zeitung Medien, takes the joke in his stride. In the comments section on Onlinereports, he says that an important aspect has been forgotten: the metal letter carriers are protesting in the union and cannot be appeased even with free anti-rust products.
Federal beer monopoly to be cracked The Basler Zeitung naturally has its own April Fool's joke in store: the Federal Competition Commission (Weko) is said to be planning to crack the beer monopoly of main sponsor Carlsberg in the Euro fan zones. The Baz refers to an alleged Weko recommendation to the Federal Council. According to this, the Federal Council should remedy the market-preventing monopoly situation. Specifically, it should issue an ordinance to launch a "Federal Beer Euro 2008", which four independent Swiss brewers will allegedly launch in May.
Toni Brunner launches pirate radio station In Eastern Switzerland, SVP President Toni Brunner was sent into April: The Sarganserländer reports that Brunner has thrown in his hat in view of the merger of the Ri and Aktuell radio stations and the discussions about the folk music presence on DRS 1. He wants to go on air with the pirate station "Radio Bloch". The national anthem is to be played at 12 noon each day. In addition, the unflattering title of "Smurf of the Week" is to be awarded to a public figure every Tuesday. Presenters and disc jockeys are now being sought. Conditions of employment: Swiss citizenship, 18 years old, good pronunciation.
Marc Forster is filming in Winterthur The April Fool's joke in the Winterthur Landbote comes from the world of film: It invites interested parties to register as extras for the new "James Bond" film by director Marc Forster. He wants to shoot a scene in Winterthur's Arch parking garage. In the film, however, the action is set in Panama City.
