Berner Zeitung
The first issue of the Berner Zeitung appeared on the 3rd of January 1979. This new publication emerged from four distinct predecessor papers that had operated for over a century before their unification. The Intelligenzblatt began its run in 1834 and later changed its name to Berner Tagblatt in 1888. Another lineage started with the Emmenthaler Nachrichten, which launched as a weekly newspaper in 1844. A third paper called the Neue Berner Zeitung entered the scene in 1919. In 1973, editors merged the Emmenthaler Blatt with the Neue Berner Zeitung to form an early version of the modern paper. That entity then combined with daily news sources from the former Emmenthaler Nachrichten in 1977. The resulting publication finally received its official launch date at the start of 1979.
Peter Schindler served as the first editor-in-chief starting in 1979. He held the position until 1982 when Urs P. Gasche took over the role. Gasche led the newsroom through 1985 before Ronald Roggen assumed control for just one year. Beat Hurni managed editorial direction from 1987 until 1996. Andreas Z'Graggen guided the paper from 1996 through 2005. Between 2006 and 2009, Markus Eisenhut and Michael Hug co-edited the publication together. Eisenhut eventually moved on to lead another paper known as Tages-Anzeiger. Charles von Graffenried served as publisher until his death on the 4th of July 2012.
Espace Media announced plans in December 2011 to merge two local editions into a single regional offering. The Splitausgabe Oberaargau combined with the Langenthaler Tagblatt to create a unified distribution area. The first issue of the new BZ Langenthaler Tagblatt appeared on the 2nd of July 2012. This expansion strategy included publishing specific editions for Thun under the name Thuner Tagblatt. Additional local versions emerged for Bernese Oberland labeled as Berner Oberländer. A separate Solothurn edition called Solothurner Tagblatt also joined the portfolio. These regional papers allowed the main newspaper to serve the Espace Mittelland region effectively.
Berner Zeitung distributed 134,153 copies in 1997. Sales figures rose to 163,000 copies by 2003. The following year saw circulation reach 196,000 copies. Peak numbers arrived in 2006 when the paper reached 215,707 copies. By 2008 it ranked as the third most read newspaper nationwide with 213,000 copies sold daily. Distribution dropped slightly to 208,694 copies in 2009. Numbers fell further to 181,705 copies in 2010. Daily distribution settled at 174,162 copies in 2012 despite these fluctuations.
Tamedia publishes the Berner Zeitung from its base in Bern. The newspaper serves readers across the canton of Bern and the Espace Mittelland region. In 2012 it held the position of leading newspaper within that specific canton. It also stood among the largest daily newspapers throughout all of Switzerland. Charles von Graffenried owned the publication until his passing on the 4th of July 2012. The paper maintains a Swiss German-language format for its audience.
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Common questions
When did the Berner Zeitung first appear?
The first issue of the Berner Zeitung appeared on the 3rd of January 1979. This publication emerged from four distinct predecessor papers that had operated for over a century before their unification.
Who was the first editor-in-chief of the Berner Zeitung?
Peter Schindler served as the first editor-in-chief starting in 1979. He held the position until 1982 when Urs P. Gasche took over the role.
What happened to the Berner Zeitung circulation numbers between 1997 and 2006?
Berner Zeitung distributed 134,153 copies in 1997 and reached peak numbers of 215,707 copies in 2006. Sales figures rose steadily during this period before dropping slightly to 213,000 copies sold daily by 2008.
Which company currently publishes the Berner Zeitung?
Tamedia publishes the Berner Zeitung from its base in Bern. The newspaper serves readers across the canton of Bern and the Espace Mittelland region.
When did Charles von Graffenried die while owning the Berner Zeitung?
Charles von Graffenried served as publisher until his death on the 4th of July 2012. He owned the publication until that date after which Tamedia began publishing it.