The Swiss Agricultural Press

From diversity to monopoly?

Ruedi Hagmann, editor in chief, BauernZeitung, 2013

German Part of Switzerland

French Part

Italian Part

The Swiss Agricultural Press

• Switzerland is still a country of newspapers and periodicals

and

• Switzerland is still a country of agricultural newspapers and periodicals

The Swiss Agricultural Press

• Facts:– Over 200 publications for a population of 8

Millions– 12 newpapers and periodicals with a general topic

for about 55'000 farming families

The Swiss Agricultural Press

• Meaning:– The press is still and by far the most important

medium for the formation of public opinion in political, social and cultural matters

– The press is still the most important medium for advertising

Situation now

• Compared to other countries, the Swiss agricultural press is still marked by an enormous diversity:

• General topic: – 2 newspapers in the german part, 1 in the french part and 1

in the italian part. – 3 periodicals in the german part, 1 in the french part. 5

regional newspapers in the german part; any more left in the french part.

• Special interests: more than 30.

The Swiss Agricultural Press 2020?

Special interests: Diverse as today.

General topic: Diversity or Monopoly? The answer depends:

1. on the will and the financial possibility of the owners to stay independent

2. on the evolution of the structure of the Swiss agriculture 3. and on the development of the media in general. The need for

information will not be less than 2013 – on the contrary. These are good news für agricultural journalism – but no certainty for the press. As anywhere, the Swiss agricultural press has to master the digital challenge.

German Part of Switzerland

2020

Die grüne Schweizer UFA BauernZeitung für den Landfreund

French Part Italian Part

2020 2020

Questions?