Observed Signal · May 21, 2026 · Hiring · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Paul Frutiger Named CEO of SwissMediaCast
Paul Frutiger will assume the leadership of SwissMediaCast AG on 1 July 2026. A 61-year-old electrical engineer and business economist, Frutiger brings more than 25 years of experience in telecom, IT and broadcast sectors, including roles connected to Swisscom. Immediately before the appointment he was a partner at ProAct Projektmanagement AG, where he led an 18-person team and was responsible for around CHF 5 million in revenue. He replaces Bernhard Schmid, who has led the company since 2017 and will remain on staff through the end of 2026 to support the transition. SwissMediaCast is described as the largest private DAB+ network operator in Switzerland, distributing 45 radio programmes via six networks and 188 transmitters in German-speaking Switzerland.
Leadership change at Switzerland's largest private DAB+ network operator affects radio broadcast operations and the local audio advertising inventory, but has limited broader impact on the global AdTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Paul Frutiger will take over as head (Geschäftsführung) of SwissMediaCast AG on 1 July 2026.
- Frutiger is 61 years old, an electrical engineer and business economist with 25+ years' experience in telecom, IT and broadcast.
- Prior to the appointment he was a partner at ProAct Projektmanagement AG, leading 18 employees and responsible for approximately CHF 5 million in revenue.
- Bernhard Schmid, SwissMediaCast's CEO since 2017, is retiring and will remain at the company until the end of 2026 to support the handover.
- Under Schmid SwissMediaCast grew into the largest private DAB+ network operator in Switzerland, broadcasting 45 radio programmes over six networks and 188 transmitters in the German-speaking region.
Connected Companies & Entities
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Pät Schreiber Named CEO of Star TV Medien
Pät Schreiber has been appointed CEO of Star TV Medien effective 31 August 2026 and will also take a seat on the company’s board. Founder Paul Grau hands over operational responsibility on that date — remaining as chairman of the board — after leading the company since its 1995 founding. Schreiber joins from Auftanken.TV, where he left his role as COO and program director at the end of July 2026. His brief includes expanding the media offering, strengthening digital activities and partnerships, and growing reach in the DACH region and on streaming platforms.
Auftanken.TV COO Pät Schreiber Departs
Pät Schreiber will leave his roles as COO and program director of Swiss broadcaster Auftanken.TV at the end of July 2026. Appointed in 2021 to the dual role, Schreiber led the channel’s strategic and operational expansion into a full programme focused on culture, education, health and music. Under his leadership Mediapulse-measured market share rose from zero to as high as 0.3%, and the channel recently achieved a daily reach of over 100,000 viewers across platforms. Schreiber’s future plans are confirmed but will be announced later. He previously worked as production manager, producer and presenter for Star TV, MTV Switzerland, Swiss1 and Tele Top, and sits on the board of ShowSzene Schweiz.
Bernard Maissen Named President of Swiss Press Council Foundation
Bernard Maissen, the former director of Bakom (Swiss Federal Office of Communications), has been elected president of the foundation that oversees the Swiss Press Council. In an interview he described the council as chronically overburdened and underfunded and said his priorities will be securing longer-term financing, improving structures and workflows, and working with the board as a team player. Maissen said he is open to reforms if needed and highlighted that the revised Art. 76 of the Radio and TV Act will allow stronger support for the Press Council from January 1, 2027. He also acknowledged the council’s high complaint volumes since the pandemic and aims to shorten complaint handling times while preserving low-threshold self-regulation. The interview was published on persoenlich.com on 2026-06-26.
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