Zurich-based Tamedia, Switzerland’s largest private media company, has been given approval by the Federal Competition Commission (COMCO) to buy the Basler Zeitung newspaper.
This content was published on
1 minute
SDA-ATS/ts
COMCO said on Thursday it did not see the takeover threatening competition, despite concerns that the acquisition could create or strengthen a dominant position. What’s more, the legal hurdles were too high for an intervention, it added.
Even without this addition, 40% of Switzerland’s German-speaking daily press circulation is published by TamediaExternal link, according to media trade union SyndicomExternal link. In French-speaking Switzerland the share is even higher, at 69%.
Zeitungshaus was co-founded by Christoph Blocher, 78, the figurehead of the conservative right Swiss People’s Party. It said it aimed to “promote media diversity” in Switzerland and that the transaction would serve this purpose.
Syndicom had criticised the deal, saying it would allow the “billionaire Christoph Blocher to expand his free news empire”. It suspects he will take advantage of the various regional gazettes for “propaganda purposes for his campaigns”.
COMCO said it had examined purely economic or competitive aspects. Media variety or media-political aspects were not an issue, it claimed.
More
More
Keeping it in the family, Blocher style
This content was published on
As the Tages-Anzeiger pointed out in an editorial on Tuesday: “With the Blochers, Switzerland now has an oligarchy family: complete with a castle, companies, factories and newspapers”. Blocher had always denied any financial involvement “directly or indirectly” in the 2010 purchase of the Basler Zeitung (BaZ) newspaper. This week it was revealed that it was…
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Drastic changes shake Swiss media landscape
This content was published on
Tamedia, Switzerland’s biggest private media company, says its 14 different newspapers will soon be produced by two editorial offices.
Switzerland’s largest media group strengthens dominant position
This content was published on
Switzerland’s largest media group, Zurich-based Tamedia, has struck a deal with one of the country’s most controversial politicians, Christoph Blocher.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.