The 65-year-old has transformed a Swiss publishing house into an international media company with more than 120 newspapers and magazines, various radio and television channels, web platforms and printing plants, "Journalist" publisher Johann Oberauer was quoted as saying in the communiqué sent out on Thursday.

Even in the narrow Swiss market, Michael Ringier, who owns the media company with his two sisters, has repeatedly founded new titles and set new trends. The jury cited the founding of the new magazine Landliebe and the takeover of the French-speaking Swiss quality title Le Temps as current examples.

With the "Publisher of the Year" award, the jury from the media industry honored a personality for the ninth time who, in their opinion, is securing the future of journalism. Last year, Norbert Neininger, editor-in-chief and publisher of Schaffhauser Nachrichten, won the title.

The award was presented at the start of the Publishers' Congress in Interlaken. (SDA)

(Teaser image: Keystone)
 

Despite the structural changes in the industry and the constant pressure from large publishing houses, 63-year-old Neininger has managed to secure the independence of Schaffhauser Nachrichten and his publishing house over the years, Schweizer Journalist editor-in-chief Markus Wiegand was quoted as saying in a press release on Thursday.

In addition, as a journalist and publisher, Neininger stands for the journalistic standards of his products and repeatedly shapes the debate on the future of the media himself. "On the issue of paid content, he recognized earlier than others that users must also make a contribution to financing."

Every year, the "Publisher of the Year" award is presented to personalities who have secured the future of their companies. Last year, Christoph Bauer (AZ Medien) won the title (Werbewoche.ch reported). (SDA)

Image: Keystone