Schawinski's Ongoing Battle Against Media Powerhouse Somedia in Graubünden

Roger Schawinski, a notable figure in Swiss media, is currently navigating challenging waters after losing a crucial licensing battle for his radio venture in Graubünden. This setback, which he describes as a severe blow to his ambitions, has led to considerable emotional distress, as reported by sources close to him.

Earlier this year, the Federal Administrative Court revoked his license for a new radio station aimed at serving the regions of Graubünden, Glarus, and parts of St. Gallen, effectively cutting off annual subsidies worth three million Swiss francs. The court's decision was based on the station's failure to meet the required ratio of trained journalists to interns.

Somedia, which has dominated the media landscape in Graubünden for decades, initiated the legal challenges against Schawinski's proposal. The media company, backed by a significant portion of the local establishment, including the Diocese of Chur and the regional bank, has been actively lobbying to maintain its monopolistic hold on regional media. Schawinski and his partner, Stefan Bühler, had aimed to disrupt this monopoly, but faced fierce resistance from Somedia.

In light of the court's ruling, Schawinski has attempted to rally support, asserting that Somedia's influence has stifled public discourse in the region. His criticism of local media practices highlights a perceived bias and lack of responsiveness to the community's needs.

Despite these challenges, Schawinski has made strides in establishing his platform, launching a trial stream of Radio Grischa, which was once a beloved local brand before Somedia rebranded it as Radio Südostschweiz. Winning the trademark dispute over the name has been a small victory for Schawinski amidst his larger struggles.

Schawinski argues that the current media offerings do not adequately represent the interests of the local populace. He notes that recent managerial changes at Somedia--including the hiring of a new editorial team from Germany--have alienated local voices, further justifying his push for an independent alternative.

While the sentiment among some local politicians indicates satisfaction with the existing media landscape, there are dissenting voices. National Council member Magdalena Martullo-Blocher has publicly criticized Somedia for its perceived failure to cover certain topics adequately, illustrating a fracture in local media relations.

Schawinski's partner, Bühler, who possesses extensive experience in regional journalism, echoes concerns about Somedia's market dominance. The Competition Commission has previously flagged potential anticompetitive practices within Somedia's operations, prompting ongoing scrutiny of the media landscape in Graubünden.

Amidst this backdrop, Schawinski remains undeterred. He is currently pursuing a revision of the court's decision, hopeful for a favorable outcome that could reopen the door to his radio ambitions. As he approaches his 80th birthday, he expresses a desire to challenge what he describes as a "parochial monopoly" that he believes hampers media diversity and public expression in the region.

Somedia's leadership, however, remains steadfast in its approach. Susanne Lebrument, head of Somedia, has defended her company's commitment to journalistic integrity and diversity, dismissing claims of hostility against Schawinski and asserting that he has not achieved the success he claims.

This ongoing battle in the media landscape of Graubünden highlights the complexities of regional journalism and the significant tensions between established media entities and emerging independent voices. As Schawinski continues his fight, the outcome could have lasting implications for media diversity in the region.