Things are moving forward in Bern
Media Companies: Bern-based Espace Media Groupe increased its profit to 23.2 million francs in fiscal year 2003—despite a decline in revenue.
Media houses The Bern-based Espace Media Groupe increased its profit to 23.2 million Swiss francs in the 2003 financial year - with falling sales.Espace Media Groupe repeated the feat of the previous year in the 2003 financial year. Once again, profits were increased - by 2.7 percent to 23.2 million francs. This above-average result was achieved despite a further decline in total revenues, which fell by just under 6 percent to 219.2 million. The fact that it was nevertheless possible to increase profits is due to a reduction in expenses of roughly the same magnitude. the "Bern model" launched on January 1 got off to a very good start. The cooperation with a joint advertising offer catapulted the previously heavily loss-making federal government close to break-even, after a loss of CHF 8.3 million in the previous year. However, the remaining minus of 1.5 million is not attributable to the daily newspaper, but to the Anzeiger Region Bern (see interview below).
In general, Espace Media Groupe can look back on a stable year. Most of the changes in the business areas are in the small percentage range. One success is the development at TeleBärn, which reduced its loss to CHF 738,000 (2002: loss of CHF 1 million).
Success in the Espace Mittelland
Espace Media Groupe can also be very satisfied with the development of the struggling Solothurner Tagblatt. The BZ-Split, which has been fighting for market share in the Mittelland Zeitung region since 2001, increased its circulation to 4,527 copies sold in 2003 and gained significant market share compared to the Solothurner Zeitung. While the combined circulation of the BZ split editions Oberaargau and Solothurn has grown strongly from 30235 to 34100 since 2001, the Mittelland Zeitung split has clearly been on the defensive. During this time, circulation fell by almost 1900 to 42794 copies. And by the end of the year, the Tagblatt aims to sell 5000 copies in subscription and single copy sales.
The spring air that Espace Media Groupe is feeling will soon also be visible in the newspaper: On June 12, the Berner Zeitung BZ will be published with a new concept in a new look.
A strong trio: thanks to an advertising combination, Der Bund is back on track and the Berner Zeitung is poaching successfully in Solothurn.
Daniel Schifferle
In general, Espace Media Groupe can look back on a stable year. Most of the changes in the business areas are in the small percentage range. One success is the development at TeleBärn, which reduced its loss to CHF 738,000 (2002: loss of CHF 1 million).
Success in the Espace Mittelland
Espace Media Groupe can also be very satisfied with the development of the struggling Solothurner Tagblatt. The BZ-Split, which has been fighting for market share in the Mittelland Zeitung region since 2001, increased its circulation to 4,527 copies sold in 2003 and gained significant market share compared to the Solothurner Zeitung. While the combined circulation of the BZ split editions Oberaargau and Solothurn has grown strongly from 30235 to 34100 since 2001, the Mittelland Zeitung split has clearly been on the defensive. During this time, circulation fell by almost 1900 to 42794 copies. And by the end of the year, the Tagblatt aims to sell 5000 copies in subscription and single copy sales.
The spring air that Espace Media Groupe is feeling will soon also be visible in the newspaper: On June 12, the Berner Zeitung BZ will be published with a new concept in a new look.
A strong trio: thanks to an advertising combination, Der Bund is back on track and the Berner Zeitung is poaching successfully in Solothurn.
Daniel Schifferle
