Ringier's withdrawal from the Swiss Media Association
Due to irreconcilable differences with individual members of the Executive Committee of the Association of Swiss Media (VSM), Ringier is withdrawing from the association with immediate effect.
The following day, intensive discussions were held on this matter at a closed-door meeting of the executive committee of the Swiss Media Association (VSM), Ringier wrote in a statement on Thursday. The Association of Swiss Media is of the opinion that SRG's advertising revenues are not necessary, it said. Ringier does not share this drastic stance.
Ringier CEO Marc Walder: "In fact, the Swiss Media Association is calling for a ban on advertising for SRG. In other words, no more advertising on their TV stations either. This is a radical demand that Ringier cannot stand behind. We are therefore withdrawing from the association with immediate effect. I regret Ringier's inevitable withdrawal due to this stance of the association."
The planned joint venture between SRG, Swisscom and Ringier is subject to approval by the Competition Commission (WEKO) and DETEC/ OFCOM, the statement added. Subject to this approval, the start of business activities is planned for the first quarter of 2016.
Swiss Media Association
Commenting on Ringier's withdrawal, the Swiss Media Association said in a statement: "The Swiss Media Association considers it highly questionable in terms of media policy and is disappointed that the public broadcaster SRG, with its public service mandate, and Swisscom, which is 51 percent owned by the Swiss Confederation, together with Ringier, want to merge the marketing of their advertising into a joint company. Consequently, Ringier has declared its withdrawal from the Swiss Media Association.
It was unacceptable that the Confederation, through SRG, which is financed by the media tax, and Swisscom, which is majority-owned by the Confederation, should contribute with this new marketing company to interfering in the already distorted competition in the media sector. And it is regrettable that this is happening together with one of the largest private media houses in Switzerland, he said. Precisely because global challengers such as Google and Facebook are skimming off a growing share of the advertising market, it is elementary that the federal government, via SRG and Swisscom, does not weaken the livelihood of the private media.
The Swiss Media Association regrets Ringier's withdrawal, but considers it logical.
On Monday, SRG, Swisscom and Ringier provided information about a new joint venture: SRG, Swisscom and Ringier are bundling the marketing of their media offerings and advertising platforms in a new, joint marketing organization (Werbewoche.ch reported). This is to be geared to the rapidly changing needs of advertisers and Swiss media.
The following day, intensive discussions were held on this matter at a closed-door meeting of the executive committee of the Swiss Media Association (VSM), Ringier wrote in a statement on Thursday. The Association of Swiss Media is of the opinion that SRG advertising revenues are not necessary.
"Radical demand that Ringier can't stand behind"
Ringier does not share this drastic stance. Ringier CEO Marc Walder: "In fact, the Swiss Media Association is calling for a ban on advertising for SRG. In other words, no more advertising on their TV stations either. This is a radical demand that Ringier cannot stand behind. We are therefore withdrawing from the association with immediate effect. I regret Ringier's inevitable withdrawal due to this attitude of the association." The planned joint venture between SRG, Swisscom and Ringier is subject to approval by the Competition Commission WEKO and DETEC/ OFCOM, the statement added. Subject to this approval, the start of business activities is planned for the first quarter of 2016.
VSM shows disappointment
Commenting on Ringier's withdrawal, the Swiss Media Association said in a statement: "The Swiss Media Association considers it highly questionable in terms of media policy and is disappointed that the public broadcaster SRG, with its public service mandate, and Swisscom, which is 51 percent owned by the Swiss Confederation, together with Ringier, want to merge the marketing of their advertising into a joint company. Consequently, Ringier has declared its withdrawal from the Swiss Media Association.
It was unacceptable that the Confederation, through SRG, which is financed by the media tax, and Swisscom, which is majority-owned by the Confederation, should contribute with this new marketing company to interfering in the already distorted competition in the media sector. And it is regrettable that this is happening together with one of the largest private media houses in Switzerland, he said. Precisely because global challengers such as Google and Facebook are skimming off a growing share of the advertising market, it is elementary that the federal government, through SRG and Swisscom, does not weaken the livelihood of private media, he said. The Association of Swiss Media regrets Ringier's withdrawal, but considers it logical. (hae/pd)
