Thomas Stephens

Journalist

I write articles on the Swiss Abroad and “Swiss Oddities” as well as weekly briefings and press reviews. I also translate, edit and sub-edit articles for the English department and do voiceover work for videos. Born in London, I have a degree in German/Linguistics and was a journalist at The Independent before moving to Bern in 2005. I speak all three official Swiss languages and enjoy travelling the country and practising them, above all in pubs, restaurants and gelaterias.

English Department

Swiss oddities

Putsch: the most revolutionary Swiss-German word in the world

This content was published on Jun 6, 2026 Buckle up for a fascinating – and often violent – etymological journey.

Exploding tempers, tariffs and rockets

This content was published on Jun 3, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Democrat disarray, mega-IPOs, and the pope takes a pop at Silicon Valley

This content was published on May 27, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Trump’s trip to China, USAID cutbacks – and is going to the World Cup a good idea?

This content was published on May 20, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Feeling blue: falling confidence, rising inflation, and a ‘face theft’ lawsuit

This content was published on May 13, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Midterm storm clouds, praise for Jerome Powell, and a mysterious golden blob

This content was published on May 6, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Swiss oddities

Lifting the lid on a peculiar Swiss passion

This content was published on Apr 25, 2026 For many Swiss, collecting coffee creamer lids is almost an addiction, with some changing hands for thousands of francs.

Public support for the army, Jamie Dimon’s warnings, and the Artemis II Moon mission

This content was published on Apr 8, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

MAGA ‘dream girl’ Jessica Foster, No Kings demo, and 50 years of Apple

This content was published on Apr 1, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Trump’s headwear psychoanalysed, ICE agents at airports, and Iran oil sanctions

This content was published on Mar 25, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

US democracy under pressure, oil as a weapon, and believing in the apocalypse

This content was published on Mar 18, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

Kristi Noem’s ‘overdue’ sacking, Trumponomics, and a gravity hoax

This content was published on Mar 11, 2026 A round-up of US-related news as reported by the Swiss media.

The SBC initiative seeks to reduce the annual licence fee for the national broadcaster from CHF335 ($431) to CHF200 and exempt all businesses.

Swiss Politics

Swiss voters reject cuts to licence fee

This content was published on Mar 8, 2026 The Swiss have clearly rejected a proposal to reduce funding for Swissinfo's parent company.

Swiss oddities

World’s first e-skis: genius or joke?

This content was published on Mar 7, 2026 A Swiss company has developed the world’s first battery-powered skis. But it might be an uphill battle to win over purists.