The great chairman's verdict was clear. According to publisher president Hanspeter Lebrument at the traditional Epiphany meeting, he no longer wants to be part of his colleagues' moaning about the crisis. It's actually paradoxical, since no other profession conjures up its imminent end as stylishly as publishers. A permanent funeral feast in store: horror and doom scenarios are the apercu at every media congress, speculation about the continued existence of the printed press is the dessert. But Lebrument's "La crise n'existe plus" generated no resistance at the current industry meeting: the publishers' guild has rarely presented itself as cheerful and carefree as it did last Tuesday in Zurich's World Trade Center.
It may have been the weather, perhaps the food, but switzerland rcs data most likely the rising advertising revenues, which are currently silencing any cries of crisis. What one almost forgets in this new bliss is that the two largest Swiss media companies are currently really practicing upheaval. This year, under the slogan "convergence", the SRG is planning to bring together what actually doesn't belong together: radio and television. This was a farewell gift from former General Director Armin Walpen to his successor. In addition, Ringier is increasingly becoming a mail order company. In addition to newspapers and magazines, concert tickets, razors and dog food are now also available. A practical public service. Almost a sixth of the turnover is already being generated in this way, announced Ringier Switzerland boss Marc Walder at the conference. Only the truly most powerful player in the country, Tamedia, was not to be heard. Chief strategist Martin Kall was in Argentina, while Chairman of the Board Pietro Supino remained silent. No further expansion planned for 2011? Perhaps the real reason for the exuberant mood.