"Press diversity is in danger"

The presidents of Imprint, who were present at the forum in Bern, see press diversity as being at risk and demand in a resolution that the cutbacks be stopped. They demand that the revenues from the online ad market, which accounts for a substantial part of the profits of the major media companies Tamedia, Ringier Axel Springer and Ringier, be reinvested in journalism. They call on the political authorities of the major cities, the cantons and the federal government to remind these companies of their social responsibility and to launch projects themselves to directly support and promote independent journalism.

After the massive cutbacks at Tamedia Suisse Romande last fall, which affected "Tribune de Genève" and "24 Heures", Ringier Axel Springer has now discontinued the magazine "L'Hebdo" and is laying off journalists at "Le Temps". The presidents of Impressum express their great concern about the future of information diversity in Switzerland and in particular in Suisse Romande. Imprint demands the immediate suspension of these cutbacks. Should the companies persist with the cutbacks, Impressum will support those affected with all means at its disposal. The massive job cuts affect not only employees, but also freelance journalists and photographers. The signal that the two companies are sending with their decisions is also disastrous because it could cause other members of the industry to follow suit. By refusing to support journalism with their profits from classified ad platforms, Tamedia and Ringier Axel Springer are clearly showing their indifference to the future of the press. Historically, ads financed journalism, and in return, journalism reinforced the attention as well as the credibility of the brand. This symbiosis was based on entrepreneurial will, not economic necessity. Even in the online age, there is no economic compulsion to abandon this interplay. In fact, without journalism, the media companies would never have been able to acquire the online platforms. On the other hand, quality journalism cannot be refinanced in the market without advertising profits. This is why Imprint is demanding that media companies abandon the unnecessary separation of the "profit centers" of online advertising from those of online journalism.

Imprint has already demanded on the occasion of the delegates' meeting 2015 in Brissago (TI) that the profits from advertisements must flow back into journalism. The presidents of the Imprint sections and working groups still fully support this demand. In addition, they call on the legislative and executive authorities of the major cities and cantons to intervene with the management of Ringier Axel Springer against the planned cutbacks.

The presidents of the sections and working groups of Imprint also discussed funding opportunities for journalism and journalists. Inspired by models that work outside Switzerland, they welcome the promotion of information media to give effect to the constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom of the media and information. In doing so, resources must benefit independent, professionally ethical journalism, and neither the choice of topics nor the content must be subject to attempts by politicians or the state to influence them. On the basis of these requirements, funding should also be provided by private individuals, if possible.