Press Council reprimands Davos newspaper for Olympics reports

The newspaper published paid pro-Olympics content without labeling it as such. The Davos newspaper had not declared advertisements for a series of interviews on the Olympic vote as advertising, the Press Council announced on Friday. In doing so, the newspaper, which belongs to Somedia, violated the journalists' code. In addition, the interview series was suspected of being sponsored.

A paid multi-page supplement on the vote was also not marked as paid content and was not recognizable as such by the reader. On the contrary, according to the Press Council, interviews and supplements gave the impression of being editorially responsible. Both press products as well as the advertisements were in favor of Graubünden's Olympic candidacy or directly promoted it.

Violated two guidelines of the Journalists' Code

With its actions, the Davos newspaper violated two guidelines of the Journalists' Code, according to the Press Council. Accordingly, it violated the requirement to clearly separate editorial contributions and advertising and to make sponsored reports transparent. In addition, the newspaper allegedly violated the ban on linking paid advertising with editorial contributions in return.

Diversity of opinion sufficiently represented

With its decision, the Press Council partially upholds a complaint by two Grisons politicians and opponents of the Olympics. However, it rejects the accusation that the Davos newspaper had violated the requirement of pluralism of opinion. The newspaper had published numerous articles critical of the Olympics and letters to the editor, thus satisfying the requirement of diversity of opinion.

On February 12, the voters of Graubünden decided on a loan for an Olympic candidacy of the mountain canton. At the heart of the matter was the question of whether Graubünden should bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The proponents suffered a heavy defeat. 60 percent of those who voted were against the Games. (SDA)