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The present and the future of Ringier: CEO Marc Walder (left), publisher Michael Ringier, Robin Lingg (right). He represents the next generation of the Ringier family.

From generation to generation To be continued ...

In-house journal March 2018 CONTENTS

4 «We draw the line at ‹Silent Night›» Setting the course for the company. Michael Ringier, Marc Walder and Robin Lingg in a big interview on the firm, 4 «No one pushed, no one family and (journalistic) faux pas. 12 12 Feeling the pulse of Kenya Ringier School of Journalism student had to bend; it all went Pauline Broccard on «Pulse Live» in Nairobi, where the focus is on social media and Africa’s mobile generation. very quickly.» 16 F ocus on Ringier The best press photos of the last quarter. Michael Ringier 18 I nspiration for the future At the Ringier Management Conference, 220 people in Ringier management from nineteen countries got together to tackle questions regarding the company’s future. 20 How I saved democracy day by day 16 Ringier journalism student Florian Wicki takes part in the launch of the online magazine «Republik» and asks himself what exactly essayistic articles explaining the world are supposed to achieve. 24 The first laboratory Edwy Plenel and his comrades-in-arms founded «Mediapart» ten years ago. Today, this online magazine is the most important independent voice in France’s media landscape. 26 My night with James Bond DOMO author René Haenig spends a night with 007. No, not in bed, but in the restroom where a dead body is lying in the corner. Despite this, Bond is and remains a gentleman. 28 E ducating the heart Publisher Michael Ringier on why The March issue education and barbarity are not of DOMO mutually exclusive and what we should learn from that. as e-magazine 29 My Week – Adetola Adegbite Why the head of Finance Intelligence in Nairobi has to be in her office at 6.30 a.m. every day. 30 Nadia’s life from A to Z Anniversary: Nadia De Sousa Barros / Recommended reading by Marc Walder

Cover photo: Christoph Köstlin

Publishing information Publisher: Publisher: Ringier AG, Corporate 18 Communications. Executive Director: René Beutner, CCO, Dufourstrasse 23, 8008 Zurich. Contact: [email protected] Editor-in-chief: Alejandro Velert. Contributors: Ulli Glantz and Markus Senn (visual realization), Pauline Broccard, Vinzenz Greiner, René Haenig, Peter Hossli, Florian Wicki Translators: Gian Pozzy (French), Claudia Bodmer (English), Ioana Chivoiu, (Romanian) Proofreaders: Peter Hofer, Regula Osman, Kurt Schuiki (German), Patrick Morier-Genoud (French), Claudia Bodmer (English), Mihaela Stănculescu, Lucia Gruescu (Romanian). Layout/Production: Zuni Halpern (Switzerland) Image Editing: Ringier Redaktions Services Zurich. Print: Ringier Print Ostrava and SNP Leefung Printers. No portion may 26 be reprinted without the editor’s permission. 20 Circulation: 10,000 copies. DOMO is published in German, French, English and Romanian.. Photos: Gian Marco Castelberg, Sven Torfinn, Corinne Dubreuil, Thomas Buchwalder, Getty Images DOMO – March 2018 | 3 A CHANGE OF GENERATIONS

«We draw the line at ‹Silent Night›» A change of generations is taking place at Ringier: CEO Marc Walder is buying ten percent of the shares. In the mid-term, he will succeed Michael Ringier as Chairman of the Board. Robin Lingg will become the head of the family. Interview: Peter Hossli Photos: Christoph Köstlin

n the 7th floor of the Pressehaus liberties. MW: During the period I’ll have the O in Zurich; water, dates and Swiss What makes Marc Walder a Ringier? pleasure of running Ringier, I will chocolate wafers are on the table. CEO MR: The common traits that Marc set the course in such a way that the Marc Walder (52) is sitting in the mid- shares with the current Ringier next generation can take over an dle, to his left, Chairman of the Board generation are considerable, enterprise that is well positioned. Michael Ringier (68), to his right, beginning with integrity right The pun has no base in reality. The Ringier’s nephew Robin Lingg (38). through to honesty and ambition. Ringier enterprise belongs to the They are all wearing white shirts – All of these are important qualities. Ringier family. only Marc Walder and the interviewer RL: Marc and I have been working Whose idea was it to make Marc are sporting ties. together for five years. He supports Walder a Ringier shareholder and the family’s shared vision. The designated Chairman of the Board? Mr. Ringier, what constitutes a true borderlines between Marc and the MR: In other businesses you would Ringier? family dissolve when we’re at work. probably hear: «That was my idea.» Michael Ringer (MR): We’ve had all We all agree on what is right and We … sorts, from enormously capable what is wrong. RL: … we don’t really know. people to less capable people, to Will the company now become MR: Honestly. It just evolved, very freaks. «Waldier», as the tabloid «Blick» gradually, as many things do in our Mr.Walder, you are a new shareholder quipped? company. of Ringier AG. What does Ringier mean RL: Puns seem to be a particular RL: Suddenly, it was there. Then, to you? journalistic sport. everybody said – that’s it. Marc Walder (MW): Ringier signifies MW: When I saw this word in MR: It made sense that way. the willingness to run risks, to «Blick», I was slightly appalled. This Things just happen at Ringier? reinvent oneself time and again, as pun presumes far too much. Ringier MW: Robin had a very good job in well as a great responsibility is one of Switzerland’s long- Mexico City, with a pharmaceutical towards the employees. In addition, est-standing family enterprises, run company that is considerably larger Ringier signifies a modern media by the fifth generation, now moving than Ringier, with – how many enterprise that has managed to on to the sixth generation. employees, Robin? diversify and digitalize. MR: The term «Waldier» was coined RL: 45,000. Mr. Lingg, you are the youngest in this by me, so that’s quite okay. I am MW: With 45,000 employees. When circle. At age 38, do you know what hoping for us to go more in the I was already CEO, Michael, Robin, constitutes a Ringier? direction of «Ringer» (German for his mother Evelyn and I were asking MR: Given his mother, certainly! wrestler), thereby finally shaking off ourselves whether we should get Robin Lingg (LG): I know one thing «Gier» (German for greed). Robin to join Ringier. Nobody – you can’t pigeonhole a Ringier. We What is your vision of your future envisioned that five years later he are flexible. Ringier gives you a lot of task, Mr. Walder? would be responsible for the

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company’s most profitable division So I haven’t got my research right? – digital – that now yields almost MR: You haven’t! My wife couldn’t Michael Ringier: seventy percent of the operating stand a single day with someone profit. He is in charge of that constantly striving for harmony. The serene one division because he accomplishes a All the same – how do you pull off a Michael Ringier (68) grew up in lot, because he has brilliantly generational handover in such a Zofingen as the youngest of four chil- advanced Ringier Africa, and not harmonious way? dren and discovered his passion for because he is a member of the MR: That is this family’s strength. journalism during a 1973 internship Ringier family. You are its head. How do you create with the Munich Abendzeitung. In MR to MW: Twenty-five years ago, such a climate? 1974, he completed the first course nobody thought you would become MR: By means of shared experienc- of studies at the Ringier School of CEO. es. Family must be important. None Journalism. In 1984, he joined the RL: The secret of the success of our of us go away on vacation over the family business; since 1991 he has five – now six – generations is that Christmas holidays. For Christmas, been its Chairman of the Board. you don’t plan decades ahead but we all gather at the family home in Under the aegis of this passionate art always try to do what’s best in the Merlischachen. We have always collector and enthusiastic golfer, the current situation. done so and will continue to do so. company transforms from a classic MR: Probably neither of my sisters Is Marc Walder there, as well? newspaper and magazine publishing thought I would do this job halfway MR: No, this has nothing to do with house to an international, diversified decently. You just leave each other the company. media group. (Photo: Michael Ringier to work things out by themselves, RL: We never talk shop, instead we in 1987, in his office at the Pressehaus) and it will turn out okay – most of watch «Die Hard 3» for the seven the time. hundredth time; I cook; we enjoy Mr. Ringier, you mentioned years ago each other’s company. that you would like Marc Walder to Marc Walder owning ten percent of follow in your footsteps. What did it the shares won’t change that? take to convince your sisters, who are MR: There still is a company and a also shareholders? family. That is important. We keep MR: That was not our main concern. the two separate. It would be What was? embarrassing for Marc if he had to MR: I needed to finally start sing «Silent Night » with us. Sure, he thinking about my age. I realized – has become part of the family yes, I have grown older without during the past twenty-five years. noticing. That becomes apparent with the What did you conclude from this? stake. But we draw the line at «Silent MR: We urgently have to address the Night». issue of generational change. My Until now, three shareholders owned a sisters, Evelyn und Annette, did not third of the shares each. If one of them need to be persuaded. wanted to sell, only the other two RL: This is not the result of negotia- were available as buyers. How did you tions. There was no quid pro quo. No get around this rule? «I’ll give you this, you give me that.» MR: Suddenly, rules that used to You, Michael said, «We need to sit make sense were no longer appropri- down at a table and talk about the ate. When everyone agrees, you find succession.» a new consensus. At some point, the Then the family retreated, and Marc next generation will change the new Walder sat waiting outside until white rules again. smoke appeared? The weekly «Weltwoche» wrote will Ringier get listed? valuable it is, is something I will MR: He has made something with a zation. That calls for shareholders (General laughter) that Annette Ringier was basically a MR: As long as I am in this, Ringier only find out once I offer to sell it at future. That is invaluable. with enormous courage. Ten years MR: We approached this very kingmaker in this deal, because she will not be launched on the stock an auction. If two people want it, the Is making him a shareholder an ac- ago, we were talking about investing professionally, by seeking out a wanted to sell her share of 33.3 per- market. price will go sky-high. If only one knowledgement of this achievement? dozens of millions to acquire moderator. He figured out every- cent within the family. RL: What we are doing right now – person wants it, the price will go RL: Of course it is an acknowledge- Ticketcorner, even hundreds of body’s interests and found that MR: Quoting «Weltwoche» as a this is very important for our down. ment, but not only that. It is also a millions for Jobs.ch or Scout24. I there was a lot of harmony. Within a source is already your second employees –, is a vote of confidence RL: We hardly ever talk about confirmation that we want to witnessed what the people who short amount of time we settled journalistic gaffe in this interview. for Marc’s work. It is a message of money. continue on the path he has chosen. dared to do this were told at the legitimate individual interests. Is it true? stability. We would like to keep MR: We simply don’t know how Did the family gift Marc Walder the time. Why did none of this get leaked? MR: Nonsense. No one pushed, no running this company as a family much the company is worth, but we shares? What were they told? MR: Leaks only occur when one had to bend; it all went very enterprise. That is why I work for are convinced that we have a much RL: No. MW: Many colleagues in publishing something isn’t right. In our case, quickly. Ringier. better business ever since Marc MR: Gifts never work, not even in a who take slower, less daring steps everything is. Is there a new rule with respect to There is mention of certain figures joined us. What’s interesting isn’t marriage, unless they are backed up towards change were saying: «You Mr. Ringier, you were described to me selling shares? If so, what does it look regarding the company’s increase in figures but people. by something serious. are crazy, and the shareholders are as being to a degree someone «con- like? value under Marc Walder. The «Welt- But Marc Walder was able to consid- MW: Let me briefly talk about the even crazier, to run such high risks, stantly striving for harmony». MR: The answer to your first woche» claims it has increased from erably increase the company’s value shareholders, the Ringier family. investing in businesses you don’t MR: I quite vehemently deny this question is yes; we will say nothing 900 million to 1.5 billion Swiss francs. with the investments he made? Our business model had severely know.» So the praise should go to rumor. I’ve been married to my wife regarding the second question. Is that true? MR: He has turned this company come under attack. Newspapers, those who authorized these for forty years – evidence enough Marc Walder becoming a shareholder MR: On the wall behind you is a into something new. magazines and printing plants were investments, not to the executives that I like to argue. suggests a stock market launch. When work of art by Anselm Reyle. How RL: A new enterprise. substantially weakened by digitali- who implemented them.

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good: a chairman who is co-proprie- MR: Most of the alumni have done Five generations of Ringier – tor, who used to be CEO, who knows well for themselves in business for 185 years all our businesses inside and out. Would you recommend this career to In 1833, pastor’s son Now, the family has announced that one of your daughters? Johann Rudolf Ringier I will eventually assume the MR: Yes, but their paths are taking buys a print shop in chairmanship. And then there will them in different directions. Of Zofingen. For the next 40 be a new CEO. course journalism remains a years, he primarily prints RL: We have always made sure that fascinating profession. Economical- local gazettes, school syl- the wind of change can blow and ly, however, it is rather less interest- that we don’t all march in the same ing than it used to be while becom- labuses and speeches for direction. You simply can’t be a ing much more challenging. public executions, as well shareholder, CEO and Chairman of You also used to be a journalist, as the weekly magazine the Board in one. Michael says you’d Mr. Walder, but now you seem to be Zofinger Wochenblatt. wind up talking only to yourself, more thrilled with digitalization. Will In 1874, his son, Franz you miss out on other influences. Ringier remain a journalistic compa- Emil, takes over control MR: Opposing forces have always ny? Or is that interest dwindling? been important to me. The Deputy MW: The company has certainly of the company. Its main Chairman of the Board, Uli Sigg, grown more independent of printing assignments are chairs the meetings. My sisters may journalism. That’s quite right. commercial documents not be as much in the public eye, but Nobody working in this industry and musical scores. In inside the company they are very today can say what will be in five 1885, Ringier gives up present. They know everything, years’ time. That’s why the transfor- publication of the Zofinger they can be very stubborn and mation was a smart move. To Wochenblatt. Ringier was they’re the opposite of yes men. conclude, however, that journalism late to recognize readers’ Thanks to these kinds of opposing no longer matters, is wrong. Michael new demand for news. forces we manage to resolve has always said it is precisely everything in harmony. because we publish journalistic You share power. What is its product that we were able to change In 1898, 22-year-old Paul significance? so much over the last ten years. Part- MR: I took a long time to appreciate ners chose to create companies with August Ringier takes over Robin Lingg: The new hope that I was somewhat different, both us because we have major history in the print shop after the inside the company and out – due to journalism. sudden death of his father, Robin Lingg (38) has been a member of the Ringier AG my position and my name. I used to RL: Neither the fascination for nor Franz Emil. The print shop MR: Sorry, Marc, but it takes both. does that affect your mindset? Group Executive Board since 2014 and heads the Inter- feel I was the same as everybody the interest in journalism is is strong with respect to Our company is all we have. There MW: I grew up with the pleasures national Marketplaces division. Previously, he was CEO of else, until I had to realize: If dwindling, but there is an increasing technology but weak in are no secret fat accounts with and pains of an entrepreneur. My Ringier Africa and Asia, and Head of Business Develop- everybody else sees that differently, awareness that it has become more terms of publishing. Ring- umpteen millions. I don’t want to father had an architectural firm. It ment. Robin Lingg is the son of Evelyn Lingg-Ringier, who it must be true. difficult to finance journalism. ier begins to cooperate play the pauper and denigrate my expanded from four to thirty-eight owns Ringier AG together with her brother Michael Ringier You realized you had power? You, Mr. Lingg, weren’t trained as a with August Francke, the wonderful life, but whatever we do, employees, and then it went and their sister Annette Ringier. Lingg studied languages, MR: That’s when I learned how to journalist. largest competitor in the we carry the risk ourselves. downhill again. When things were economics and cultural science at the University of Passau handle it. Power is tricky. It’s RL: Probably no one at Ringier has MW: The beginning of the transac- going well, everyone was happy, in Germany. Lingg is married, has three children and lives in necessary to make the right thing done more to create journalistic jobs region. tion was formative. It established a when they weren’t, we felt that, too. Zurich. (Photo: Robin Lingg in 2014, at the Ringier offices in happen. But you have to be damn and set up newsrooms at Ringier in Paul August Ringier dies at close tie between the shareholders I have always been conscientious. Ghana) careful that you don’t forget to get the last five years than I have. Those the age of 84. He had run and me. They trusted me to invest a Ever since my participation was others on board. If decisions are who are worried about the signifi- the media company in a lot of money in companies that we in announced, I have been giving even reached a consensus. made based solely on power, things cance of journalism at Ringier had gruff, patriarchal manner – management believed were the more thought to where we should On which everyone followed through? usually go wrong. better think about the problems right ones. The risk has paid off. invest. RL: If we’d been hesitant we would RL: Power is not a constant. we’d face without our non-journalis- but with great success. In Many of these companies are worth Does it make you more or less willing not have managed the company’s MR: That is why we wanted Marc to tic businesses. 1960, his only son, Hans, many times their original buying to take risks? transformation. Once we’ve reached become a shareholder. Now his MW: I can appreciate why journal- takes over the company price. MW: Good question. I’ll be able to a decision, everyone follows position is different. It’s more … it’s ists ask whether they’ll remain and its now 2,000 em- You have now bought ten percent of a give you an answer in a few years’ through. something other than a hired CEO, a relevant to this company. Particular- ployees. much more valuable company. I don’t time. Mr. Ringier, two years ago, you Chairman. Everybody knows: He’s a ly since there’s been increasing know what your financial situation is, MR: We’ll find out when we make said you were a publisher who gets shareholder now. discussion of artificial intelligence but I’m assuming you didn’t pay cash our next investment. involved, «or there would be no need MW: A media company exerts and machine learning. To those for the shares. How were you able to MW: But I don’t decide on my own, for me.» Will there be no need for you influence on society. That gives it journalists who wonder whether afford this acquisition? we decide as a team. soon? power. Sure, we, too, have made they’re still in the right place I say: It MW: Jointly we have found a MR: It has always been my ambition MR: I remain a shareholder, and in mistakes. But if you consider how is the best place to be precisely In 1985, Hans Ringier solution to how I could take over a that we should not have to take a that capacity I will continue to get we’ve dealt with, say, the rise of because the company has such a hands over the reins to considerable share – ten percent is a vote. In the thirty years that I’ve involved and have my say. But I’ll no right-wing populism in Switzerland broad foundation. his sons, Christoph and huge amount to me – in this been with this company, we have longer walk through the editorial and in Eastern Europe, I’d say we You made your mark in Mexico, Michael. In 1991, Chris- wonderful company. This solution always hashed matters out until offices of «Blick» and poke my nose have used our power responsibly. Mr. Lingg. Is that more important that toph Ringier leaves the will remain known only to the circle everyone said yes or no. in. However, I’ll still feel responsible Our responsibility to society had journalistic training? company. Michael Ringier of the people who developed it. MW: With respect to the almost two for anything published in our name. priority over our pursuit of profit. A RL: I guess my background gave assumes sole responsi- So far, you have been a salaried em- billion Swiss francs we have Mr. Walder, you are about to succeed media company has greater Michael and Marc the idea that I bility as Chairman of the ployee. Now you are a partner bearing invested in technology and other Michael Ringier as Chairman of the responsibility than a screw factory. could be an asset. I left Switzerland Board. part of the risk. If anything goes wrong companies, there has never been a Board. Will you remain CEO? Mr. Ringier, you were part of the first at twenty-one and spent thirteen you might get saddled with debt. How need for a casting vote, we’ve always MW: What we have now is very Ringier School of Journalism class. years abroad, where I was effective

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in up-and-coming markets. Our Mr. Ringier, what is Marc Walder So this is the next generation of roots are in Switzerland, but Ringier to you? A foster-son? A friend? An Siamese twins? is an agile international enterprise. employee? RL: Marc is a visionary. He takes a You were happy and successful living MR: Marc is some sort of Siamese long view and he is an incredible in Latin America. Now you’re back in twin. We hadn’t met in person for a networker. His enthusiasm even cloudy Switzerland. Why … long time. I first noticed him playing after twenty-five years is fantastic. MW: He’s hardly ever in Switzer- tennis. You learn a lot about One thing in particular characteriz- land. someone that way. Over the years es our relationship: honesty. There Why would you want that? Nobody is we grew closer. What is pleasant are no filters. obliged to go into the family business. now, is that our minds think alike Editor, Editor-in-chief, CEO of Ringier RL: It’s the greatest thing. My wife which makes many things a lot Switzerland, CEO, shareholder; Mr. and I were actually going to stay in easier. Where others take months to Walder, how do you explain how to Mexico. When Marc asked if I’d like decide, we decide within ten build such a career to your children? to come back we didn’t hesitate for a minutes. Besides, we laugh a lot. MW: In the end it always boils down millisecond. Humor is important to you? to applying yourself. I am convinced It’s a big step. MR: Even as a young man I swore to of that. No one has ever become a RL: When you get the opportunity to myself that I’d work with people tennis champion without a lot of contribute to something you have who make me laugh. It’s the same in training. long benefited from, to keep a my family. We laugh a lot at home! MR: Nor an art collector. 185-year-old history going that to my Of course, there are casualties. I MW: Not in a dogged way, but with mind certainly constitutes a highly ought to publicly apologize to Robin real commitment. valued model for our employees, for saying he should go play the Simply applying yourself is enough? there is nothing to think about. It is trumpet outside at Christmas. MW: The second thing is integrity. our family’s mission in life. Robin, I am really sorry! The people you work with should be Many things will remain unchanged Mr. Walder, I suppose you still beat saying: «I enjoy working with him.» for the time being. Why discuss it Mr. Ringier at tennis? What is he better There is a true saying: «People do now? at than you? business with people they know, MR: Today, more than ever, it is MW: He has great natural authority. like and trust». important for people to know who He never needs to raise his voice or Mr. Ringier, who has the better taste they’re dealing with. The competi- push things through by virtue of his in art, Marc or Robin? tion is tough. Others pay more or position. The authority he exudes is RL: I don’t even know that I have offer more interesting tech jobs. In quite enough. Michael Ringier one. our company, people know who becoming our Chairman of the MR: That is a very callous question. they’re dealing with. They may Board was the best thing that could It is not about taste, it is about the know Marc or me; now they’ll meet have happened to the company. He eye, seeing it. When I experience Robin. They’ll know what to expect. is away on business a lot, traveling how they react to a work of art, I RL: We’re doing away with specula- between New York, Miami and must say, each has a good eye. This Marc Walder: The mover and shaker tion. We expect a lot of flexibility London. And yet, he is unquestiona- is not something you can learn, but Marc Walder (52) began his career with Ringier in 1991, in the from our colleagues and employees; bly the head of the company. it is a requirement. Beyond that, marketing division. In 1993, he entered the Ringier School of we keep asking them to adapt. Often What do you appreciate about Robin everyone has to decide how far to go. the Kronenhalle restaurant. At 12.30 women … Journalism. In the following years he held various positions, enough, we turn everything upside Lingg, Mr. Walder? So the two will continue to run the I was sitting in the restaurant. By RL: … Ellen, Susanne, Myri … including Editor-in-Chief of Schweizer Illustrierte and of down within eighteen months. Now MW: It was a risk when Robin joined collection? 12.45 I sent him a text message: «I MR: … knows that all of us sitting SonntagsBlick, and editorial manager of the Blick Group. In we are saying two things. First: The the company. MW: (laughs) I won’t! am sitting in the front room, on the here are just decoys. 2008, Walder is appointed CEO of Ringier Switzerland, and path we have chosen is one hundred RL: Absolutely. RL: (laughs) left.» At 1 p.m. I wrote: «Have you MW: The issue of women is impor- since 2012 he has been CEO of Ringier AG. Under Walder’s percent correct and we’ll stay the MW: Especially for Robin. He had a MR: We will discuss the art collec- forgotten me?» At 1.15 p.m. I left the tant at Ringier. There are two management, the company has consistently pursued a strat- course, with Marc, with Michael, fantastic job in Mexico. His family tion succession at another time. My Kronenhalle, because he never women on the board and, key egy of diversification and digitalization. A former tennis pro, with me. liked it there. He moved them from father lived to be ninety-seven. On showed. At 2 p.m. he wrote: «Shit, I departments like Finances and he is married and has two daughters. (Photo: Marc Walder in And second? the other side of the world to Zurich, the eve of my death I will buy completely forgot, so sorry.» Technology as well as Human 2002, at Schweizer Illustrierte) RL: Despite many shifts and to work in a company run by his another painting. Afterwards, being the kind person Resources and Mergers & Acquisi- changes, the foundation is very uncle, in a line of business Robin In your secretary’s room I noticed an he is, he brought me the elephant. tions are run by women. A woman solid. This house is standing up didn’t know, and got an assignment elephant sculpture by Rolf Knie. MR: Art must be tolerant. My wife runs Blic Serbia, another Blick MR: It would be awful if I knew how straight. to establish something in Africa. It RL: (laughs mischievously) also collects elephants. Mr. Walder’s Online. to do everything. I understand what You call Mr. Ringier «my uncle». What doesn’t get any more difficult than MW: The fact that you mention this assistant asked me whether she MR: A lot is happening, but there is it is about, that’s enough. I devote is Michael Ringier to you, apart from that. And you know what? He has is your third journalistic faux pas! might keep it. certainly room for improvement. myself to contemporary art. Each an uncle? done an outstanding job, because he RL: It’s the elephant in the room. RL: The assistant is leaving us! You have two daughters. After Robin, day I find myself faced with MR: Probably his millstone! is self-sacrificing, efficient and May we play the joker and not talk MR: Her farewell present? there would be a possibility that a something I don’t understand. That RL: Michael has always been special exceptionally quick. Progress about it? RL: She can take the elephant. woman becomes the head of the keeps me young. to me. When I was a boy he kept matters to him. MW: May I tell the story? Michael. Marc. Robin. Is Ringier still family. Each generation leaves behind picking on me. No kid under ten Mr. Lingg, what are you learning from Does the sculpture fit in with the firmly in male hands? MR: We have never ruled that out. a legacy. What is yours? years of age can take that kind of Marc Walder? collection? RL: No, we have very strong women As to my generation, the question MR: Others will be the judges of sarcasm. I always loved my uncle RL: A huge amount. There is no RL: (laughs) in key positions. was justified. I didn’t have to do the that. I’m not bothered about it. I try when I was a child. He is a key figure bullshit, no politics between us. MW: We would not want to make MR: Two thirds are female share- job because I am a man but because to do my job as well as I can and in our family, along with my mother. Neither has to pretend to the other. headlines by allowing Michael to holders. my sisters didn’t want to do it. according to my aspirations. I don’t We’ve always had a good relation- We openly lay our cards on the table, speak. RL: Correct, it is rather a coinci- Mr. Ringier, Marc Walder says coding is compete with others. I never use the ship, we never argued. He is telling each other what we think. We Too bad. dence. the new writing. You write trenchant term legacy. I am happy with the warm-hearted and is there when learn from each other and with each MW: I invited Rolf, whom I’ve MR: I think that answers your speeches and sharp columns. Do you current solution. The rest will be up you need him. other. known for thirty years, to lunch at question. Anyone who knows our know how to code? to Robin. 

10 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 11 DIGITAL PUBLISHING

aroline Njoroge, 26, stands hold- C ing a microphone surrounded by a dozen men. The «Pulse Live Kenya» presenter is in the field, conducting a survey in the streets of Nairobi be- Feeling the tween the neighborhoods of Satellite und Kawangware. «Which rules does your wife follow at home?» she asks a young man. «I don’t think there are Tube. In the afternoon they are back While «Pulse productive, creative – and cheerful. any rules. Nowadays it’s more about in the streets of the Kenyan capital Lady» Carolina is On the first floor, the journalists, the communication and understand- and live on Facebook with more doing street social media crew and the sales team ing,» he replies in Swahili. The other (trick) questions like: What can you surveys (left), sit close to one another. The video Pulse of Kenya men are peering over the shoulder of cook on a pancreas? (yes, the glandu- managing editor team, the associated TV studio and video journalist Musa Chahare, 30, lar organ - Ed.) Martin Wachira the financial department share the For twelve months now, Ringier’s African news portal «Pulse Live» has to see the camera’s display, attentive- Meanwhile, in the Kileleshwa discusses the second floor. Even in the mornings, ly listening to the interview. neighborhood: Here, at 36, Othaya topics of the day there is the smell of a fire emanating also been operative in Kenya. Whether there are political controversies to The people in the streets of Nairo- Road, is the home of «Pulse Live with his journalists from the first-floor kitchen. Dolly, 32, bi know Caroline. They call her «The Kenya». The Kenyan news portal has at the Pulse the cook, is preparing Ugali. This discuss or a street survey to be done in Nairobi – Pulse is there, live. Pulse Lady». She and her cameraman a similar structure to that of the editorial offices. porridge made from cornmeal is a Musa belong to the 12-person video Swiss website Blick.ch. The editorial Kenyan specialty. To get users to like, debate and share items, the focus is on social media, team at «Pulse Live Kenya». Three team works in a residential building At the journalists’ table, a heated a strategy that is paying off. times a week in the morning, the guarded by security. The house is discussion is taking place. A reporter team is out shooting video material furnished with tables and office and his female colleague lean across Text: Pauline Broccard, student at the Ringier School of Journalism Photos: Sven Torfinn for a witty clip to be posted on Face- chairs that are hard to move despite the table, fiercely gesticulating with book, Twitter, Instagram and You- their casters. The team’s mood is their arms. They are debating in

12 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 13 DIGITAL PUBLISHING

English and Swahili, loud enough to Dolly, the cook – drown out the TV. Suddenly, the two and the heart and squabblers double up and burst out soul of the house laughing, only to continue their de- –, preparing Ugali. bate at full volume. Their argument This porridge concerns a post on Instagram, in made from which Zawadi Nyong’o displays her- cornmeal is a self in the nude. She is a (minor) ce- Kenyan specialty. lebrity in Kenya and the older sister of Lupita Nyong’o. In 2014, Lupita The liveliest «Pulse» are at least twenty years old «Pulse» articles need to be adapt- won an Oscar for best actress in a discussions take and no older that forty-three. ed for Kenyan customers. Both jour- supporting role in the movie «12 place at the big The users are currently 55 percent nalist Fred Kiarie, 30, and branded Years a Slave». «If she showed herself table where men and 45 percent women. The content expert Alan Mwangi, 26, in the nude for a good cause, it would journalists share team features a similarly balanced agree on this. «Kenyans are mainly be okay. But this is just grabbing for work places (left). distribution of males and females. interested in local news, not so much attention,» the journalist says. His Meanwhile, Alan In its first year, the team was able in international news,» Fred main- colleague from the social media team Mwangi, the to profit from the fact that the elec- tains. That is the biggest challenge in retorts: «Let her show off her beauti- expert for tion of the Kenyan president Uhuru the Kenyan market. «Just because ful body, if that’s what she wants.» After working for «Pulse»’s strategy is to let users par- branded content, Kenyatta had to be repeated. «This something is considered cool in Eu- Anyway. Sudden silence. As if they Bild, Ham- ticipate as much as possible in what is discussing the really boosted our traffic very quick- rope, South Africa or Nigeria does not had pushed the pause button for a burg-born Leonie is going on. They should like, com- latest strategies ly,» von Everfeldt maintains. Besides necessarily mean Kenyans will like minute, the debate starts again. von Elverfeldt ment, share. On Facebook Live, we with his staff. «Pulse» Nigeria and Ghana, the Swiss it. We focus on our own identity,» Laughter – shouting – gesticulating. joined Pulse Live always talk to our viewers directly, news portal Blick.ch also serves as a says Alan.  Every day here is like this; it’s only Kenya as Director because those people will join us model for the Kenyans, particularly the topics of discussion that vary. Digital Publishing, again next time,» Safina explains. in terms of its layout, content and the Sometimes it’s politics, sometimes «We produce for Leonie von Elverfeldt, 33, is proud length of the texts. «We produce for relationships or simply sex. Today is the mobile genera- of her team. Originally from Ham- the mobile generation, which is much a rather quiet day, really. The journal- tion, which is burg, she was poached from the bigger here than in Europe.» The ists are concentrating on their arti- much bigger here daily tabloid Bild, and moved to platform’s development is advancing cles, each writing a minimum of five than in Europe.» Nairobi last April. At that time, day by day. «Pulse Live Kenya» is al- pieces per day in the categories of «Pulse Live Kenya» was in its infancy ready cooperating with the American news, politics, entertainment and with just twelve employees. «Today, news website «Business Insider» as lifestyle. there are forty-five of us,» says von well as with «The New York Times». The following day, there is a par- Elverfeldt, Director Digital Publish- On one hand, the collaboration al- ticular buzz in the air. Opposition ing East-Africa. Next to Nigeria and lows these media to reach a new With its main publication Pulse, the leader Raila Odinga takes his «oath Ghana, Kenya is the third mainstay digital audience, while on the other, Ringier subsidiary Ringier Africa Digital of office», appointing himself the high in terms of user figures: editorial team when the social media of the «Pulse» brand. «During the the African readership benefits from Publishing offers information and enter- «president of the people». As a result, 900,000 viewers are watching this channels of «Pulse Live Kenya» were past year, we were able to ride on the award-winning reporting. «There tainment, particularly in the categories the government has shut down all controversial political event live! launched in January 2017 without a coattails of those two pioneering will certainly be more. Many brands of news, music, movies, events and private TV stations wanting to broad- Even the joint-head of the social single follower to their name. «It’s countries. Particularly when it came want to give Africa a try. In addition, sports, for the African mass market and cast the event. This is a special day, media team, Safina Okumu, 25, is nice to see our medium grow so to video formats, we were able to we are considering various other for mobile users, reaching 135 million not only for Nairobi, but for Kenya’s impressed. «Because the TV stations quickly. When we started out, we adopt a lot of material. Now we need business models,» says von Elver- consumers per month. The platform entire media landscape. Live streams are shut down, people are looking to would celebrate even 17 likes. In the to find our own voice.» They are sup- feldt. is active in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, are the only channels still working, social media for news. We are on air meantime, we have arrived at posed to come across as young and For the time being, «Pulse Live while also producing content in Tanza- and that is exactly what «Pulse Live with Facebook Live. In addition, we 500,000.» cool. Readers should be given new Kenya» is still receiving financial Kenya» offers. Cameraman Musa is are continuously publishing quotes Social media are one of the most information but also entertained. support from its mother company, nia, Uganda, Senegal and Ivory Coast. on location as a video journalist, from Odinga’s speech, and the jour- important means of distribution for The target audience is between 18 Ringier Switzerland. In the future, Within the terms of a cooperation agree- streaming the «opposition’s inaugu- nalists are producing articles ex- «Pulse Live Kenya». As much as sev- and 49. It is only fitting, then, that however, the platform is meant to ment, Pulse also holds licenses to the ration» on Facebook. On this day, the plaining and assessing these events.» enty-five percent of their readers find the editorial team consists of young finance itself completely through «New York Times» as well as «Business news platform reaches an all-time Safina Okumu was already on the the page through social media. people. The staffers working for advertising revenue. Insider» in these markets.

14 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 15 In this feature, DOMO regularly presents the best photographs published by Ringier titles in the past quarter. FOCUS ON RINGIER You will find more excellent pictures from the past quarter on our Facebook page DomoRingier.

Ringier’s best photos of the last quarter The best pictures and their story: While Roger Federer turns sports into an art form in Australia, soccer turns into a blood sport in Serbia.

STYLE L’ILLUSTRÉ BLIC PIERLUIGI MACOR Photographer CORINNE DUBREUIL Photographer OLIVER BUNIC Photographer SUSANNE MÄRKI Editor JULIE BODY Editor MLADEN SURJANAC Editor «Would you be up for He is a living (sports) Even though a fence photographing the Zurich prima legend: Roger Federer, 36. protects the photographer ballerina Yen Han?» The So it’s quite understandable of the hooligans that are request from the fashion that Corinne Dubreuil, on beating each other to a magazine Style comes in at the job at the Australian Open for the pulp, the situation is not entirely devoid of short notice. Pierluigi Macor is Romandy weekly L’illustré, gets «a little danger for Oliver Bunic from the Serbian up for it. He spent many years working as a nervous» when she is supposed to meet him, tabloid Blic. «They are not soccer fans but fashion photographer in Paris. He does not even though it is not her first shoot with King mostly professional boxers and kickboxers feel like portraying the prima ballerina in a Roger; the thing is that the French photogra- from Croatia paid to come here and cause classic ballet pose. Macor is thinking of pher never knows whether he will show up or trouble. They hate us photographers,» he modern dancers. First, he scouts the location, not. After his 20th title win in his 30th Grand says. As Bunic takes this picture during the because that is a given: The guild-hall Zur Slam Final, the world press is scrambling to get local soccer derby between Partizan Belgrade Meisen in Zurich, one of the city’s most valued to Federer. Dubreuil gets the go-ahead for a and Red Star Belgrade, the Serbian riot police buildings historically, means a lot to the ballet five-minute photo session at the Government are just standing there, doing nothing. «I was dancer. When Macor tells her of his idea, «she House in Melbourne. While her colleagues in more worried about those boys’ lives.» In immediately showed me which jumps she has the garden have to share Federer, she grabs a Serbia, hooligans are closely associated with mastered,» he recalls. For his photograph, he chair from a corner in the house and puts it the regime and operating as a sort of private has the ballerina take about ten leaps. «That down in the middle of the room. When army in the drug trade, says Bunic. «All of this went quite quickly.» He says he was surprised Federer enters the room, all she has to do is has nothing to do with sports.» at «how nicely and kindly she complied with get him to relax, pose and smile. No problem all my requests.» Even when Yen Han jumps for Corinne. Within less than five minutes she LIBERTATEA up into the air, she is not some diva with her has her picture – plus a selfie with the star. VLAD CHIREA Photographer & Editor head in the clouds but a prima ballerina. Weeping people are LANDLIEBE standing on either side of BLIC NICO SCHAERER Photographer photographer Vlad Chirea PREDRAG DEDIJER Photographer DENISE ZURKIRCH Editor on the evening of MLADEN SURJANAC Editor Nico Schaerer knows a December 13th, 2017, in the Romanian capital The story behind this thing or two about flying. Bucharest, as he is working on assignment for photo by Predrag Dedijer, The photographer used to the daily newspaper Libertatea along the photographer for the paraglide, and he has shot route of the funeral procession for the former Serbian tabloid Blic, is a sad pictures from helicopters and airplanes. This king, Michael I. «I only had a few seconds to one. The image shows the Ilic family of seven flight is something special to him. In a meadow take the picture as the vehicle with the casket who live in the wreck of a stranded ship in the near Herisau in the canton of Appenzell was driving by.» As the mourners around him village of Susara, not far from the Romanian Ausserrhoden, Schaerer climbs into the wicker were throwing flowers in farewell to the border. «How it ended up on this meadow, basket of a hot air balloon to fly across the monarch, Vlad Chirea released the shutter. no one from the village could explain,» says Alps to the Italian village of Ruginello for the What he has captured here is the end to a long Dedijer. He takes pictures of the father, Swiss country-life magazine LandLiebe. His chapter in history. Michael I, proclaimed king Stevo, the mother, Gordana, and the children, pilot is Stefan Zeberli, the world’s best in 1940, was forced to abdicate by the Aleksandar, 17, Ivana, 13, Uros, 10, Ivan, 7, and balloonist. «Crossing the Alps in this way is communists in 1947. He had to leave his entire Jovan, 4. They tell the photographer they had only possible on very few days of the year. The fortune behind and flee to Switzerland, where no home in Romania. In the ship that serves wind direction and many other conditions he lived in exile on Lake Geneva until his as a shelter to the village shepherds, they have to be just right,» says Schaerer. There is death. In 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer, live in two rooms. Dedijer: «It was dirty, there very little space in the basket, so he puts his dying just a year later at the age of 96. Many were no sanitary installations, there was no camera backpack on the floor. Bending down of his countrymen worshipped their former electricity.» The refugees fetch water from to change his lens, he has to be mindful that king. «Thousands saluted him one last time their neighbors and firewood from the forest. none of the other passengers are leaning too with flowers and applause during this funeral The children used to be excellent students but much to one side. Near the Italian village of procession,» says photographer Chirea. because of the language barrier in Serbia they Gera Lario, high above Lake Como, he fell behind. Despite their precarious situation, succeeds in shooting «his» picture. The yellow none of them complain. Dedijer cannot forget balloon seen in the distance started out at the the family‘s fate. When he goes to check up on same time in the same place. But, according to them months later, they are gone. Thanks to Schaerer, «It’s hard to stay together.» the «Blic foundation» the family got a new and comfortable home.

16 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 17 FOCUS ON RINGIER In this feature, DOMO regularly presents the best photographs published by Ringier titles in the past quarter. RMC Inspiration for the future Will artificial intelligence soon outwit humans? How do we connect the digital with the physical? How close to our customers are we really? Ringier management took on these questions at the Management Conference.

Text: Alejandro Velert Photos: Thomas Buchwalder

o other Zurich hotel exudes as marketplaces as well as in print,» says N much glamour and coolness as Scholz. the Kameha Grand in Opfikon, the Morning Coffee with Michael Ring- venue for this year’s Ringier Manage- ier is on the agenda at the top of day ment Conference, RMC for short. two. Former Blick head writer Peter «Connecting the Dots» is the motto of Hossli interviews the publisher. Mi- the two-day conference. «Let’s have chael Ringier seems outwardly cool as 24 inspiring hours together,» says usual, even though he has some major Marc Walder in his opening address to news to announce. Asked where the the approximately 220 participants company is heading, he reveals to who have come to Zurich from all «his» management that the family nineteen Ringier countries. A full have set the course for the future. CEO program with ten presentations from Marc Walder is taking over ten percent in-house and guest speakers awaits of the company’s shares, and he is the them. designated chairman of the board. One of these speakers is Klaus Michael Ringier will remain chairman Hommels, founder and CEO of Lake- of the board for the next few years. In Publisher Michael capable of learning would develop at star. This German start-up investor the medium term, Robin Lingg will Ringier announces a breathtaking pace. «What’s coming put money into companies like Skype, assume the leadership in the next at the RMC how is much more than the fourth indus- Top-notch RMC speakers: Jürgen Facebook and Spotify at an early stage generation of shareholders. The deci- the company’s trial revolution. New life will emerge Schmidhuber, Jessica Scholz, Jens and with great success. Hommels, a sion-making process within the fam- owners have set in ways we are unable to imagine Monsees, Felix Oberholzer and Hannes great champion of Europe as a center ily took place in an amicable atmos- the tracks for the now.» What a media company can take Schmid, who talked about Smiling Gecko. of technology, sees «his» continent phere, Michael Ringier explains. future. «Only the away from this here and now: «The big lagging behind. «The share of Europe- «Only the paperwork was stressful.» paperwork was tech companies have diverted a lot of sities, colleges and other organiza- an capital in the twenty biggest inter- This had to be dealt with while Roger stressful, because advertising money away from the tions for his cause. national tech companies amounts to Federer was playing the Australian Federer was media industry, because they know Today, after only three years, al- a mere 1.44 percent. A fucking ca- Open. «We would run back and forth playing in the final when which users go to which page most 30,000 people in the northern tastrophe!» He predicts: «The market between discussions and the TV.» of the Australian and what they want to read or watch.» province of Chnang are living in a power of Google, Amazon & Co. will One man whose ideas reach far into Open.» After that, Felix Oberholzer from tains. A company like Amazon offers Smiling Gecko in Cambodia. Schmid’s CEO Marc Walder self-sustaining community with a continue to increase.» the future is Professor Jürgen Schmid- Harvard University gives a short sem- thousands of articles but no guidance. speech in the following forty-five opened the village school, an agricultural family Jessica Scholz is chief marketing huber, scientific director of the Insti- inar on business administration. The customer, however, is striving for minutes is a multi-media presentation Ringier Manag- project, a chicken farm and a pig farm, officer for Ringier Africa and Asia. tute for Research on Artificial Intelli- «Stitch Fix» is his subject. This US identity and individuality. Every sin- that could not be bettered. ment Conference a carpentry shop and a guest-house «How to prepare for the future of gence (Istituto Dalle Molle di Studi company sends its customers hand- gle person in the conference room He talks about how, at the begin- at the Kameha facility. Schmid’s crowning achieve- search» is the title of her presentation. sull’Intelligenza Artificiale, IDSIA). picked outfits. The customers’ taste is should ask themselves whether their ning of his involvement, he tried to Hotel in Opfikon, ment is the fact that the system con- Within thirty minutes she explains to His research group has developed a not only determined by what they product is personalized enough and help the people living on the moun- Zurich: tinues to grow, promising to add nu- everyone how search engine optimi- learning algorithm used especially in usually order, but also, for example, as close to their customers as it can tains of trash in the metropolis of «We want to be merous further locations all over zation works on Google. She also voice recognition technology. If not by analyzing their Pinterest profiles. possibly be. Phnom Penh. Schmid asked friends pioneers of our Cambodia. knows what Ringier needs to focus on for Schmidhuber there would be nei- But the final selection for the cus- The last talk is an outstanding for support, bought water, rice and industry’s As Hannes Schmid ends his pres- in the future: «Visual search!» You take ther Siri nor Alexa. tomer is made by a person: «People are performance by Hannes Schmid, 72. medicine. He came to realize that the digitalization.» entation he gets a standing ovation a picture of any product and the Within 45 minutes, his lecture better than artificial intelligence when He was already world famous as a effects were short-lived. Instead of from the Ringier management. This is smartphone knows where you can get takes us into a future where self-rep- it comes to assessing the boundaries photographer and artist when, a few giving up he expanded his involve- without a doubt the highlight of a two- it. «Connecting the digital with the licating robots will conquer the gal- of a customer’s taste and figuring out years ago, he started to pour all of his ment. He kept failing, but in the end, day conference with plenty of strong physical is the order of the day – in axy, because artificial intelligence combinations,» Oberholzer main- energy into his relief organization he managed to win over Swiss univer- presentations. 

18 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 19 REPUBLIK How I saved democracy day by day Journalism is more than just a business for some corporations, a few journalists decided, and went on to create the online magazine «Republik». Ringier School of Journalism student Florian Wicki was there when the project was launched.

Text: Florian Wicki Photos: Gian Marco Castelberg

he glass shatters into a thousand expectations and assurances. The T pieces beneath my red suede shoe. official version is that we didn’t want Startled, I look down and realize: That to make the publishers – i.e. the sub- was a beer bottle. The guy next to me scribers – wait any longer. Unofficial- on the sidewalk – who actually looks ly, starting early allows us to boot the like someone trying to sell me some machines without a demo effect and Crystal Meth or Crack – shoots me a only draw attention to ourselves once weird glance before shaking his head everything is working smoothly. After and moving on. I’m in a looking-glass several delays, we are finally good to world. My workplace is at the Rothaus go at 3 p.m. Hotel on the corner of Langstrasse, in «Are we online?» Zurich’s red-light district. Did I leave «Yes!» «No!» «Sure we are!» that bottle there myself after partying «Are we?» last night? I have no idea. But who At this point, nobody knows exact- cares: Today is the beginning of my ly, apart from the IT guys, who of internship at Republik. This platform course are working flat out in their has set out to do nothing less than to office, disconnected from the outer save democracy, according to the lit- world. Suddenly someone shouts: any I heard over and over again this We’re online! Whoops of joy, ap- past year. That this was to be achieved plause, people hugging. Ten minutes amongst panhandlers, policemen and concept for what is now Republik. The former Rothaus later, it emerges that this was a false prostitutes is not devoid of a certain Media representatives concerned Hotel (left) on alarm and the site is as yet only visible charm. about recent developments in the Langstrasse, where to the editorial team. An unintention- For me, the Republik story began Swiss media landscape meeting al- Republik’s editorial al dry run, then, with the cameras some eighteen months ago with a fresco to plan a small revolution, as- offices are located. running. But no matter, the joy is message on Facebook. «Any plans for sisted by wine, wit and workshops, all genuine. Another twenty minutes or Monday night?» This was followed by under a veil of secrecy, of course – im- The founders of so later, we are online for real. In the an invitation to a quasi-conspiratorial agine that, if you will. Republik: evening, media people drop in for a meeting at a quiet little house in a But let’s go back to Langstrasse, journalists visit, there is plenty of music, booze residential part of town. The founding where Republik is about to launch. It Constantin Seibt and speeches – a traditional celebra- team at the time – or at least part of it is Sunday, January 14, 2018. As of to- (left) and Christof tion, including a poetry slam, as is – met with a group of sympathizers in day, we are finally going to save de- Moser (right). usual when journalists have some- a cozy little garden to hash out the mocracy – a day early, contrary to all thing to fete.

DOMO – March 2018 | 21 REPUBLIK

Republik is a digital magazine which focuses on political, economic, cultural and social issues. It contains no adver- tising. Since January 2018, one to three articles per day have been published behind a paywall. In a spectacular crowdfunding oper- ation, over 15,000 people supported the founding of Republik in 2017. For 240 Swiss francs a year you become a subscriber as well as a member of the cooperative Project R. The cooperative and the editors own equal shares of the Republik AG: 47.4 percent. The rest is owned by investors and the magazine itself. Thus, every subscriber of the magazine is also its publisher, in a small way.

meetings, meetings and more meet- ings. At the end of the day – which naturally tends to be late at night – you are faced with the question of how exactly you were saving democ- racy. You start having doubts. By means of essay-style articles explain- ing how the world works, pieces about biology, American TV and technolo- gy? Articles that are often so long that Monday, January 15, 2018: How are important» and «What will happen Republik people refrain from reading them on we going to save democracy today? next». And then there is a coda, usu- considers itself a the train or the streetcar? Or do you With less pathos, in any case, because ally in tabloid style, to liven things up. collaborative save it through a daily newsletter from now on it is day-to-day business. In addition to this fixed format, I project. The walls which always begins with the stock This means fulfilling expectations collaborate on various projects. The in the hallways are gender-binary English phrase «Ladies that have been raised sky-high by this last one published (which I am hence decorated with and Gentlemen» – a salutation from very pathos, since the crowdfunding allowed to mention here) was the se- statements by way back in 19th century? started last spring. In practice, this is ries «Top Secret – Doping», an inves- subscribers and Yes, there is cause for criticism – what it looks like for me: As the «Ring- tigative report on doping at the Olym- supporters, which is actually a good thing. On reminding us why December 5, 2017, in one of its mile- they feel that long newsletters, Republik wrote: «Our goal, when we start out, is not perfection Republik is «Our goal, when we start out, is not necessary. perfection but perfectibility.» That but perfectibility.» has made itself felt. Since the launch, all sorts of ideas have been tested and Republik co-founder Constantin Seibt either scrapped or implemented. Be- sides, the texts are getting shorter, at In the former ised. But thanks to its curiosity, its Zurich urban revolutionary vibe on least some of the time – or not at all, lounge of the agility and its independent mindset, Langstrasse. No, it was the certainty as the case may be. Still, the writers Rothaus Hotel the Republik will nevertheless contribute that at the Rothaus Hotel you will ier exchange student» – a stigma I was pics by Republik in collaboration with are also supposed to have the courage Republik editorial to strengthening the media land- never hear that infernal phrase: kindly stuck with on my first day – I journalists from Germany, England to tackle longer, in-depth pieces. The team meets twice scape. And if you care to believe the «That’s the way we’ve always done it, am in charge of the format «What was and Sweden. Side-by-side with the topics are growing more varied and a week. magazine’s manifesto, that landscape and that is how it will stay.» important last week». This is where Republik team of reporters – consist- – I burrowed through hundreds of the newsletter’s authorship will is an important element of any de- Once I have typed the last letters readers find, as promised by the title, ing of Sylke Gruhnwald, formerly with pages of data, minutes, testimonies change every three to six months, mocracy. However, what impressed of this text, I will leave the Rothaus. a summary of the past week’s essen- Ringier Axel Springer’s bi-weekly by witnesses and documents leaked which makes for diversity. me most in the time I’ve spent here It is shortly before midnight. And to- tial topics, divided into three catego- Beobachter, and Carlos Hanimann, by whistleblowers. Of course, none of this can ensure was not the big-name journalists on morrow we will have another stab at ries: «What happened», «Why this is formerly with the leftist weekly WOZ A journalist’s life is punctuated by that democracy will be saved as prom- the staff, nor the texts, nor the hip saving democracy. 

22 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 23 INTERVIEW

Co-founder and profit was 2.2 million. Now we have 80 editor-in-chief of Mediapart, full-time jobs at Mediapart. In March Edwy Plenel: «Freedom 2008, we started with 3,000 subscrip- doesn’t come cheap.» tions. At the end of last year we were at 140,000. But that’s still less than the «non-independ- ent» newspapers in France. Yes, it’s less than Le Monde and less than Figaro. But it is more than Libération. Mediapart is a success story. This success story required subscribers. Three months before the launch of Medi- apart, you motivated them with an article entitled «Le prix de la liberté» – «The Price of Freedom». So, how much does freedom cost? Is it just the price of a subscription to Mediapart? (Laughs) It means that freedom doesn’t Mediapart’s editorial offices in Paris. This is where the content for the now 140,000 subscribers is come cheap. You need to pay for it. The produced. In March 2008, their number was at 3,000. other meaning is that you have to fight for information and for liberty. We are in a battle for the right to information, for the information first in a time with a new form Spanish. Why not German, Chinese or «The first value of journalism as a public service – of entertainment: opinions. Arabic in the future? and for democracy. Opinions are also important to you at Media- What about the future of the media you Republik intends to do nothing less than part. You have «Le Club», where subscribers came from? Could daily newspapers adopt save journalism and democracy – as do you. can contribute. Does that really work or are your financing model? Is the situation of democracy and journalism your readers just silent supporters? Maybe. But the dailies have one problem really so dire or do small media projects We have one of the most active communi- we do not have at Mediapart: the heritage laboratory» need to exaggerate with their choice of ties of French media outlets. We not only of paper. At the same time, they need to words for marketing reasons? have «Le Club» for exchanges but also make money with online journalism. This is not about marketing! We are comment sections below the articles, That’s the contradiction they have to deal «Republik» the newly established Swiss online magazine wants to embroiled in a moral crisis to which more which we moderate only after publication. with. and more politicians are offering authori- We are dedicated to the tradition of free So paper as a medium is finished? produce journalism that is independent from advertising. Edwy Plenel, tarian solutions. Look at Russia or Turkey, speech. No. I think, for example, that magazines where the right to knowledge and freedom I imagine it as being quite easy to moderate and books will survive. On the occasion of former editor-in-chief of «Le Monde», has been doing that for ten years with of speech is in danger. Or even France, these comments. After all, you once wrote the ten-year anniversary of Mediapart, my where some politicians want Mediapart to that you wanted an «intellectual communi- book «The Value of Information» was «Mediapart» – his goal is to valorize news. be barred from the public debate. Donald ty». Sounds rather like a project for readers published by Don Quichotte.  Trump symbolizes this new era where that have graduated from one of the French Interview: Vinzenz Greiner Photos: Renaud Creus opinions, ideology, «alternative facts» and Grandes Écoles. You are creating an elitist fake news seem to be gaining the upper bubble! THIS IS MEDIAPART Domo: Monsieur Plenel, this March you’ll be where he could control everything, from the advertising clients. They have their very hand over facts and objective information. We have long articles, but we are not an celebrating ten years of madness. How crazy business plan to the articles? particular interests. For example, late last We are now fighting for nothing less than elitist newspaper. We are following the Edwy Plenel is chairman of the board of Medi- are you today? I see myself more as a paperboy who year we, along with a consortium of democracy. I am not sure we will win this tradition of the «université populaire». apart, and he is also its publisher. In 2008, he Edwy Plenel: Maybe a little bit. (laughs) hands out information. Although we investigative newspapers, revealed that battle. I am saying this as a radical Our readership is socially, geographically co-founded the project with first-rate people I’d rather call myself enthusiastic. But in- introduced a new horizontal culture with the luxury label Gucci evaded taxes. This democrat. and culturally diverse; more so than that in French journalism. The co-founders hold six deed: When I started Mediapart ten years hardly any hierarchy in the editorial staff brand belongs to the French company Ker- Or as a leftist journalist. Republik was also of «Le Monde» when I was working there. I in ten Mediapart shares. Total economic inde- ago, all the experts and the French press and a lot of exchange with the readers at ing. Guess what: None of the big French created by people predominantly from the hadn’t expected that. We have even pendence is impossible. Just over 40 percent of said it was crazy and a foolish thing to do. eye level, there is still this dark legend media outlets quoted our revelation. left wing of the political spectrum. On Jan- extreme right-wing readers. We take this the capital is held by two technology entrepre- You were the editor-in-chief of Le Monde, about Mediapart wearing a moustache You’re saying the people at newspapers like uary 15, when Republik started, Le Média, seriously as a challenge to a democratic neurs and the «société des amis de Mediapart», France‘s most important newspaper. And (laughs). The whole project, however, was Libération or Le Monde don’t do their job an anti-racist and feminist web TV channel, debate. the «friends of Mediapart». Mediapart’s main you gave it all up for a startup with an uncer- not so much a journalistic challenge as a properly? went online in France. Why is it that leftists What are your next challenges? tain future. Why? business one. Admittedly, an idealistic No, that’s not what I’m saying. There are and critics of capitalism are coming up with Within the next three years we want to focus is on investigative journalism and political As editor-in-chief of Le Monde I suffered challenge, but being idealistic doesn’t many good journalists working for these new business models? build a new structure for the control of the coverage – all of it online. Mediapart also my first big defeat in my life as a journal- mean that you have to be unrealistic. I am newspapers. The problem is the ecosys- Once upon a time I worked for a Trotzkyist capital – we want to lay it into the hands of publishes big moving-image documentaries and ist: The newspaper decided to put all the a serious entrepreneur. tem, which completely relies on advertis- newspaper, fair enough. But that was 40 the founders and the team to protect our podcasts – for example in collaboration with the texts online for free. It was to be financed You’ve chosen a financing model exclusively ing money – in this case the money from years ago. Anyway, I think that our story independence in the future. Video is going TV channel Arte. Mediapart invites politicians, only through advertisements. But you based on subscriptions at a time when sub- the luxury industry. The media needs to sparked a movement. A new generation of be a big challenge, too. We will invest film directors and activists to the studio for live- cannot sell a print newspaper with one scription numbers are dropping worldwide. get out of this capitalist dependence. journalists has come to see that they can more in it. Maybe this year, there will be streamed video discussions. The enterprise also hand and give away everything for free on We simply needed to challenge the Ten years ago what made you so sure that become independent from company Mediapart TV. implies participation: In the «Club», subscribers the web with the other. That destroys the advertising model of financing a newspa- you could create a media business without interests and do something against the Are you gearing up to become a global media can write their own blogs or have exchanges value of information and the value of our per or media outlet. We were the first relying on advertising money? devaluation of information. company? I mean, you already have articles in chats with other readers. The 140,000 work as journalists, too. As a response to laboratory to try it. Our motto has always Nothing. We knew we could do investiga- So they offer their readers a leftist world- in English and Spanish. this devaluation I founded Mediapart. been: Only our readers can buy us. tive journalism. But we didn’t know if the view. Isn’t that paying for a filter bubble? No, we don’t want that. But as you know, subscribers pay 110 euros per year. The editorial Wasn’t it rather that Edwy Plenel had In other words: I’m not for sale. financing model would work. But it did. I don’t think so. The first obligation of a the Internet knows only one border – lan- team is comprised of forty people. With a few achieved everything in French journalism; It’s about independence. And most of the We had our break-even in 2010. Last year journalist is to be at the service of the guage. That’s why we translate our most additional developers, the technical team is now he wanted to have his own newspaper media have lost this because of their we had revenues of 13.7 million euros. Our truth of facts. It’s a bit of a challenge to put important articles into English and forecasted to grow to about twenty people.

24 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 25 RINGIER MEETS THE STARS My Night with James Bond Ok, this title is open to misunderstanding. Our writer actually met 007 Daniel Craig twice. He remembers the secret agent for two reasons, a nerve-wracking, door-wrecking restroom episode – and, his polite British manner.

Text: René Haenig

he day the world breathed a sigh Bond breaks out at Bregenz stroom, in which a dead man is lying Tof relief was August 16, 2017. On I’d really come to Lake Constance to in the corner while James Bond is this date, the man who, since 2006, meet star director Marc Forster. The emptying the villain’s pockets into has been saving the world from das- Swiss filmmaker had been hired to the washbasin, picking out a listen- tardly villains, ruthless rogues, shoot «Quantum of Solace», the sec- ing device and sticking it into his ear cunning criminals and mad terrorists ond spy adventure starring Daniel – whereupon he intends to leave the on her Majesty’s secret service, ap- Craig as James Bond. Bregenz was scene of the crime asap. But all he peared on the «Late Show with Ste- one of the locations. As usual with ends up doing is running against the phen Colbert». When the host asked such high-end blockbusters, journal- door. Apparently a member of the Daniel Craig, 50, «Will you return as ists would not be given one-on-one film crew has accidentally locked James Bond?», he gave a typically interviews on the set, just round-ta- 007 in the restroom. Laughter all Bond-like terse and cool reply: «Yes.» bles, at which you get 15 minutes max around. Only two years before, Craig had to ask your questions and glean some The scene is repeated again and shocked his audience by claiming answers. So when a high-brow col- again. Eventually, the restroom door that he would rather slash his wrists league from the arts section of the opens as planned, but now Bond than play James Bond again. prestigious Swiss daily NZZ decides suddenly finds himself clutching the So, while the rest of humanity to rabbit on to actor Anatole Taub- door handle in his hand. He has breathes more easily, I run down to man (who plays the villain’s flunky) snapped it off. After more than two the basement to dig around in some about the psychological aspects of hours this sequence, which will only storage boxes, hunting for a photo- the narrative and the associated in- last a few seconds in the film, is final- graph of the coolest agent since Sean fluence on the moviegoer, even ly in the can. Connery. I got it from 007 in 2007, on someone with strict Eastern-bloc Craig checks the result on the di- a visit to Los Angeles. It shows Craig upbringing and diligently acquired rector’s monitor. Forster takes this on the set of his first Bond adventure, Swiss restraint risks turning into a opportunity to introduce me. When «Casino Royale», with director Mar- rude interrupter – or a Bond-worthy I mention that we met a year ago at tin Campbell. A 007 fan since my antisocial meanie. Martin Campbell’s house and that he childhood, which I spent growing up At the round table with Marc For- gave me a photo with a dedication, in the «enemy» Eastern-bloc state ster an hour later I no longer dare to Craig grips my hand quite firmly, GDR, I got a personal dedication on do so. At the end of the 15 minutes saying, with a grin: «Oh yes, I re- the photograph, written by the with the director, I dejectedly shuffle He has embodied member you!» The Brits really are an world’s most famous drinker of Mar- out of the room behind my col- legendary secret exceptionally polite race. I don’t tinis, bedder of women and scourge leagues. Maybe too dejectedly, for agent James Bond honestly believe that he would have of supervillains: «For René.» Forster puts his hand on my shoulder since 2006: Daniel recalled our meeting. In L.A., I’d A year later, I meet him again. At as I am about to go out the door, say- Craig, 50. been too nice to be memorable. But the festival hall in Bregenz, late at ing: «René, you didn’t manage to get Following «Casino then, being nasty to Bond is hardly night – or in the early morning hours, any of your questions in. If you like, Royale», recommended – or is it? Even if Bond to be precise. Outside the restroom. come to the set later, we’ll be shoot- «Quantum of didn’t exercise his licence to kill on Inside the restroom is a dead body. ing till 5 a.m., so I’m sure we’ll find Solace», «Skyfall» me, the mere thought of that It’s quite obvious to me who killed time to talk during a break.» and «Spectre», he snapped door handle in the restroom the guy. 007 just grins. We’re in for a I can hardly believe my luck. And will save the world ... Nope, can’t let that happen to me! murderous night. But first things so, around 2 a.m. I find myself out- one last time as Because: My name is Haenig.

first. side a Bregenz Festspielhaus re- 007 in 2019. René Haenig.  Photo: CAMERA PRESS

26 | DOMO – March 2018 MICHAEL RINGIER MY WEEK Adetola Adegbite Head of Finance Intelligence at Ringier Africa Digital Publishing

Educate the heart WEDNESDAY I chat with my teams in Nigeria, Ghana, hese images were seen around the globe. «Judges, Slobodan Pral- Senegal and Kenya. I am also in constant jak is not a war criminal. With disdain, I reject your verdict!» said communication with HQ Finance as regards the Croat general, who had just been sentenced to 20 years in pris- the status of revenue and receivables. I have a on. Then he drank cyanide and died. While this event might be funny picture on my cellphone to remind me Tdismissed as a curious anecdote in the annals of the Hague Tribunal’s of my last meeting with them. history, it is worth taking a closer look. Praljak, after all, was not some dumb thug who had people massacred out of some religious mania, or a man who could not foresee the consequences of his decisions. Nor was he incapable of comprehending the correlations between social order, free- dom and the exercise of power. Praljak was an educated man. He had ob- MONDAY tained university degrees in electrical engineering, philosophy and soci- My week starts on Monday. My colleagues in ology and graduated from the Zagreb Academy of Dramatic Art. His CV Kenya are two hours ahead of Nigeria so I am includes various teaching positions and jobs as a theater and television in the office at 6.30 a.m. My team and I director. These are certainly not the credentials of your typical war crim- update the weekly revenue reports based on inal. After all, education is said to provide an essential foundation for dem- the activities of the previous week. Accuracy FRIDAY ocratic and constitutional intercourse with one’s fellow men. Or does it? and consistency is the goal, hence quality control is enforced with regards to the On Fridays, I tidy up loose ends and send an reported figures. As Christine Abbt, teacher of philosophy at the University of Lucerne, updated revenue report to the management team. In the afternoon, I have a Skype meeting Switzerland, recently wrote in the daily «Neue Zürcher Zeitung», even THURSDAY with the RADP management team. After this, I Denis Diderot, returning from a journey to Russia at the end of the 18th I conducted review sessions with my teams in ensure that my teams across Africa have century, had grave doubts about that. Sobered by his conversations with Nigeria and Kenya. This allows me to judge their completed their tasks for the week. This Michael Ringier, publisher the Empress Catherine II, the French philosopher of the Enlightenment on the job performance over the past 6 months process informs the team of the plans for the began to compose his «Observations sur le Nakaz», while still on his way and to assign new Key Performance indicators new week; then I can unwind with my back to Paris, stating: «The realization of democratic freedom in common (KPIs) for the next 6 months. It is also an colleagues. and mutual debate is not primarily a rational phenomenon but one of the opportunity to hear their views and ideas on senses.» certain topics relating to our enterprise. And «while he considers education an indispensable asset to processes of WEEKEND enlightenment», the professor writes, Diderot is also convinced that My weekends are spent with my family. On «without accompanying measures of other institutions its instruments Saturday, I’m attending a family party. It is an would not be effective enough to cope with despotism and the willful rule introduction ceremony for my cousin who is of those in power.» TUESDAY getting married. The families of both parties get Lest there had been any need for proof of his point, the Nazis certainly to meet each other. On Sundays, I attend the 10 On Tuesdays, I attend two meetings - one a.m. church service. It is a time to reflect and provided it in the cruelest of fashions. with the Sales team at Ringier Nigeria and the The idea of the superiority of the German race led to unimaginable acts of thank God for the previous week and to commit other with the RADP Creative Operations the new week into His hands. barbarity and the loss of millions of lives. The French writer Laurent Binet, team. Both of these meetings are extremely who spent ten years doing research on Reinhard Heydrich, the head of the insightful as I am able to keep track of current Gestapo, may refute the frequent allegation that the man was an intellec- projects for immediate revenue recognition tual («he had read a bit of Nietzsche, like everyone else, and misunder- through the Creative Operations meeting, stood him»). But even so, Heydrich had been well schooled and respecta- while information disseminated at the Sales bly educated. meeting keeps me abreast of future deals for So what does that tell us? While we do need to continue investing in edu- projections. At each of these meetings, I am given an opportunity to present the revenue cation, we should do much more to educate the heart. And that is some- status for better planning and strategizing. thing we can hardly leave to our schools. Photo: Maurice Haas

28 | DOMO – March 2018 DOMO – March 2018 | 29 ANNIVERSARIES Editor’s Choice by Marc Walder

Ringier CEO Marc Walder tells Nadia’s life from A to Z you which books he has read and why they fascinate him. Her roots extend all the way to Africa. And Nadia Cristina De Sousa’s love for her family literally gets under her skin. Who is the woman behind the counter at the Bertrand Piccard staff restaurant «Inside»? Her path led her from Angola to Zurich. André Borschberg MIT DER SONNE UM Photos: Geri Born/private DIE WELT The round-the- hen Nadia Cristina De Sousa Bar- world voyage of W ros, 41, known simply as «Nadia» Solar Impulse gen- to all visitors to Ringier’s cafeteria erated huge «Inside» in Zurich, first came to Swit- amounts of hype. zerland from Lisbon 22 years ago, she An airplane that only spoke Portuguese. «I was 18 years circles the globe old and came to Zurich with my then without fuel! An airplane wider husband.» She trained as a cook and than a Boeing 747, yet no heavier waitress, studying German – or rather: than a car! But no matter how Swiss-German – after work. No wonder great this achievement was: The she can now speak the Swiss idiom al- project’s two chief developers, most perfectly, with just a hint of an Bertrand Piccard and André accent. Borschberg, were never primarily Nadia was born in Angola, her moth- focused on the circumnavigation er’s homeland. Three months after her or on breaking world records. To birth, the family left this former Portu- Piccard, Solar Impulse was far guese colony for her father’s country. more: an economic, ecological She grew up in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and scientific message. And a with seven siblings: three sisters and symbol of what is already possi- four brothers. Nadia’s family means ble. «If we don’t want to give up everything to her. They talk on the our standard of living, invest- phone every day. Even during this inter- ments in new technologies will be view for DOMO, her cellphone lights up essential,» says Piccard. With – one of her brothers is calling. Nadia was enormous courage, passion and the only child to go abroad. Because it is ambition, the two trailblazers too expensive for her family to travel to successfully achieved their objec- Switzerland, Nadia usually flies down to tive within 13 years. Between their see them. But she has also been known first 400-yard flight in 2009 and to get behind the wheel of her car and the accomplishment of 4,350- drive more than 1,250 miles within 26 mile flights across the Pacific they hours to see her parents, brothers and were faced with countless obsta- sisters. «They are what I miss most in cles to overcome. The motto that Switzerland.» Then she rolls up the right Piccard talks, thinks and lives sleeve of her sweater, proudly displaying by is: the tattoo she had done on her upper arm «If you can think it you can do it.» last year – the names of all her siblings. Piccard’s grandfather and father, Nadia found her way to Ringier thanks who experimented with balloons to a female colleague she had worked and submarines, had already with in her first years in Switzerland. At pushed the boundaries of the «Inside», she started out as a maid-of-all- imaginable in their own fields. work, preparing salads and sandwiches, Their son and grandson has now doing sales, ladling food onto plates, achieved as much with André standing at the till. Nowadays she is also Borschberg. To think that, as a in charge of arranging in-house drinks child, Piccard did not even dare to receptions at Ringier’s headquarters. climb trees! «But then, that sort of When she first began to work here, she thing won’t change if you stay put would dish out 100 helpings at lunchtime; in your armchair.» So Piccard nowadays it’s 300. Ringier staffers are not ‹healed’ himself by learning to fly. the only ones who appreciate the food at One thing he’d gleaned from his «Inside»; colleagues from the neighboring ancestors was: «If you’re faced daily Neue Zürcher Zeitung also like to Nadia Cristina De Sousa Barros has been standing behind the coun- with a crisis you can overcome it eat here. And what does Nadia do in her ter of Ringier’s Zurich cafeteria «Inside» for ten years. To drive to by setting yourself higher goals.» spare time? «I like to read, preferably in the sea and the family’s home in Portugal, Nadia is quite prepared to The book «Mit der Sonne um die my mother tongue, Portuguese.» RH  spend 26 hours behind the wheel of her car. Welt» (Around the world with the sun) chronicles the fascinating journey of an incredible project.

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