Expressions of solidarity: The Bernese newspaper Der Bund is to be saved
More than 7,000 residents of Bern have already signed the petition to save the daily newspaper *Der Bund*. In addition, numerous politicians across the political spectrum—from the left to the right—as well as the Bern government are speaking out against a monopoly newspaper in the capital.
Over 7,000 Bernese have already signed the petition to preserve the daily newspaper Der Bund. In addition, a number of politicians from the left to the right, as well as the Bernese government, are campaigning against a monopoly newspaper in the capital.
Online comments and letters to the editor make it clear that the Swiss Confederation is part of everyday life for many people. Mark Balsiger, owner of a Bernese communications agency and initiator of the "Save the Swiss Confederation" campaign, explains to the Basler Zeitung that it takes several generations for such an "emotional bond" to develop. The Confederation has a tradition stretching back almost 160 years. In addition to Balsiger, SP Councillor of States Simonetta Sommaruga and BDP Councillor of States Werner Luginbühl, media science professor Roger Blum, Züri-West singer Kuno Lauener and various well-known business representatives are also committed to preserving the daily newspaper, which formerly belonged to the NZZ.
However, it is questionable whether the rescue operation will become more than a sympathetic protest movement, writes the Basler Zeitung in its Monday edition. Tamedia spokesman Christopher Wehrli does say that the great esteem in which the Bund is held makes the publisher responsible. However, no other option than the two presented is under discussion. What's more, Tamedia is known for its ruthless decisions and the economic pressure is undisputed. With its 65,000 subscribers, the Bund has been accumulating losses for years.
Nevertheless, the "Save the Bund" committee will examine further steps over the holidays, in particular whether a "third option" will be worked out. Mark Balsiger believes that Tamedia must fear losing many Bund subscribers, especially in the event of a merger with the Berner Zeitung. Although the latter is appreciated in the countryside because it reports more broadly on rural regions, many Bund readers find it too tabloid-like.
Online comments and letters to the editor make it clear that the Swiss Confederation is part of everyday life for many people. Mark Balsiger, owner of a Bernese communications agency and initiator of the "Save the Swiss Confederation" campaign, explains to the Basler Zeitung that it takes several generations for such an "emotional bond" to develop. The Confederation has a tradition stretching back almost 160 years. In addition to Balsiger, SP Councillor of States Simonetta Sommaruga and BDP Councillor of States Werner Luginbühl, media science professor Roger Blum, Züri-West singer Kuno Lauener and various well-known business representatives are also committed to preserving the daily newspaper, which formerly belonged to the NZZ.
However, it is questionable whether the rescue operation will become more than a sympathetic protest movement, writes the Basler Zeitung in its Monday edition. Tamedia spokesman Christopher Wehrli does say that the great esteem in which the Bund is held makes the publisher responsible. However, no other option than the two presented is under discussion. What's more, Tamedia is known for its ruthless decisions and the economic pressure is undisputed. With its 65,000 subscribers, the Bund has been accumulating losses for years.
Nevertheless, the "Save the Bund" committee will examine further steps over the holidays, in particular whether a "third option" will be worked out. Mark Balsiger believes that Tamedia must fear losing many Bund subscribers, especially in the event of a merger with the Berner Zeitung. Although the latter is appreciated in the countryside because it reports more broadly on rural regions, many Bund readers find it too tabloid-like.
