Tamedia saves with Süddeutsche flat rate

Tamedia continues to make editorial cuts. Following job cuts in French-speaking Switzerland and at the Berner Zeitung, the Tages-Anzeiger, Bund and Sonntagszeitung are now to be affected. The measures are to result in a cost reduction of twelve percent and will be communicated soon. This is what Schweiz am Sonntag writes in its current issue.

The basis for the editorial downsizing is to be a kind of "flat rate" contract with the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Instead of paying for articles individually, as has been the case up to now, Tamedia media will in future be able to take on as many contributions as they want. According to "insiders involved," the flat rate is to cost over one million francs per year.

Costs that Tamedia saves in its own editorial departments - especially in the foreign sections. But also in the areas of society, knowledge and culture. Certain departments are expected to save up to two-thirds of their previous costs. Of the 14 foreign correspondents, some of whom are shared with the Süddeutsche, only three are to remain for the Tages-Anzeiger and Sonntagszeitung. The Sunday service in the business department is also to fall victim to the red pencil and be taken over by the domestic team. In this way, Tamedia will save the additional vacation weeks for the business team.

Tamedia spokesman Christoph Zimmer would not comment on the research to Schweiz am Sonntag. Editor-in-chief Arthur Rutishauser only confirms that an expansion of the partnership with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, which has been in place since 2009, is "under consideration". (hae)

Photo: Tamedia