Publishers: Free papers are not gravediggers
At the Epiphany Conference, Swiss publishers expressed their conviction—despite all the doomsday predictions—that the paid daily newspaper has a future. In their view, free newspapers have opened up new markets.
Despite all the prophecies of doom, Swiss publishers are convinced that the paid-for daily newspaper has a future. In their eyes, free newspapers have opened up new markets. "Commuter newspapers are not the gravediggers of the paid daily press. Nor are they the panacea for the future," said Pietro Supino, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tamedia publishing house, at the Epiphany Conference of the Swiss Press Association
on Tuesday in Zurich. As with traditional newspapers, quality craftsmanship and a clear journalistic concept are decisive for success. He does not see a cannibalization of paid newspapers and free papers, said Supino, whose publishing house now publishes two free papers.
Peter Rothenbühler, editor-in-chief of the western Swiss newspaper Le Matin, sounded the same note: he rejected those who predict the slow death of the purchased daily newspaper. "What kind of industry are we? I can no longer stand the eternal complaining and defensive attitude," Rothenbühler shouted into the hall. Newspapers are still the number one in the press market and they are profitable.
Of course there is a certain cannibalization between paid newspapers and the free press, as the example of Le Matin and Matin bleu shows, said Rothenbühler. But it was much less than many had expected when the free paper was launched.
on Tuesday in Zurich. As with traditional newspapers, quality craftsmanship and a clear journalistic concept are decisive for success. He does not see a cannibalization of paid newspapers and free papers, said Supino, whose publishing house now publishes two free papers.
Peter Rothenbühler, editor-in-chief of the western Swiss newspaper Le Matin, sounded the same note: he rejected those who predict the slow death of the purchased daily newspaper. "What kind of industry are we? I can no longer stand the eternal complaining and defensive attitude," Rothenbühler shouted into the hall. Newspapers are still the number one in the press market and they are profitable.
Of course there is a certain cannibalization between paid newspapers and the free press, as the example of Le Matin and Matin bleu shows, said Rothenbühler. But it was much less than many had expected when the free paper was launched.
