How a harmless article is prevented (Swiss Press Text 2014, by Thomas Bacher) - Swiss Press Award

Der Zürcher Oberländer / Anzeiger von Uster

Thomas Bacher

The Cantonal Office for Economic Affairs and Labor blocked an editorial article. It was a harmless professional profile of a senior employee at the Regional Employment Center in Uster. The media office was unwilling to engage in a nuanced analysis of the text. It refused to approve any of the quotes and simultaneously insisted on publishing a PR article. The editorial team ignored this and simultaneously exercised its right to inform readers about the reasons for the non-publication. A short story that serves as an example of the ever-increasing influence of the PR departments of government agencies and companies.