Thuner Tagblatt uncovers case of advertisement boycott (Swiss Press Text 2015, by Geissbühler Stefan) - Swiss Press Award

Thuner Tagblatt/Berner Oberländer

Geissbühler Stefan

In the run-up to a local vote on a zoning plan change, the Thuner Tagblatt published various articles on the topic. For example, the city of Thun, together with private investors, had planned to abolish the existing car mile near the lake (to create attractive residential space) and relocate the garages located there to the outskirts of the city. However, research showed that not a single garage was willing to leave its traditional location (and that neither the city nor investors had held talks with the garage owners). The Thuner Tagblatt published this under the title "An Auto Mile - Without Car Dealers" in its January 30, 2014, issue. The reactions from the city and investors were fierce. The investors informed the editor-in-chief by email that, due to this article, they would be foregoing all planned vote advertisements in the Thuner Tagblatt, totaling tens of thousands of francs. The Thuner Tagblatt decided to publicize and comment on this advertising boycott, following the Press Council's recommendations (February 1, 2014 issue). The zoning plan amendment was subsequently rejected by a clear 64 percent vote. The day after the vote, the city of Thun announced that a so-called planning zone would be imposed on the area of ​​the existing car mile near the lake. As a result, the car garages located there will not be allowed to change or expand their operations for a long time to come (February 13, 2014 issue).