Observed Signal · Aug 22, 2026 · Hiring · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Tamedia probes 24 Heures over Christmas-party allegations
Tamedia is conducting external investigations after allegations of inappropriate and potentially criminal behaviour involving senior staff at the French‑language daily 24 Heures. Reporting by SonntagsBlick says two executives are accused of misconduct: one allegedly kissed and groped a young journalist without consent after a Christmas party; another, whose planned appointment as editor‑in‑chief in 2026 was abruptly halted, faces prior complaints and was later suspended following further allegations. Tamedia CEO Jessica Peppel‑Schulz ordered independent inquiries and has placed the accused employees on leave while external law firms examine two cases reported early in 2026. Investigations are ongoing and Tamedia states the presumption of innocence applies to all involved.
Reputational and leadership disruption at a major Swiss publisher may affect editorial operations, advertiser relationships and inventory monetization; investigations and halted senior appointment are relevant to media stakeholders.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Tamedia confirmed two alleged breaches of its code of conduct reported in early 2026.
- Tamedia CEO Jessica Peppel‑Schulz ordered external investigations and placed the accused employees on leave.
- One senior employee's planned promotion to editor‑in‑chief in 2026 was stopped after staff and the personnel commission objected.
- Allegations reported by SonntagsBlick include unwanted kissing, groping of a young journalist, and an alleged statement implying intent to rape during a private staff evening.
- Investigations are ongoing and external law firms have been appointed; Tamedia reiterates the presumption of innocence for all involved.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“A scandal over possible breaches of the code of conduct is shaking the Tamedia publishing house.”
“According to reporting by SonntagsBlick, the blocked appointment was due to resistance from the staff and the personnel commission.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Tamedia publishes two-part investigation into alleged abuses
Tamedia journalists Roland Gamp and Oliver Zihlmann published a two-part investigative report revealing that a former SVP cantonal councillor from Aargau is accused of drugging and sexually abusing multiple women, including a then 14-year-old. The public prosecutor has charged the man with multiple counts including rape, desecration, and attempted murder; he denies essential parts of the allegations. The victims Iwona and Paula L. spoke publicly for the first time. The reporters describe editorial decisions on naming the accused, protecting victims' intimacy, timing of publication, and handling traumatic material during the months-long investigation.
Tamedia Management Stands Firm on Job Cuts
In a letter to employees, Tamedia's management, led by CEO Jessica Peppel-Schulz, reiterated its commitment to cutting 41 jobs (34 full-time positions, 30 in journalism) despite protests and criticism from editorial staff. The company cites significant pressure on the advertising market in both print and digital, as well as rapidly changing media consumption habits, as reasons for the restructuring. Management rejected claims of failing to engage in social dialogue, pointing to the social plan and negotiations with social partners, though union Syndicom disputes prior consultation. The editorial teams demand a halt to layoffs, a consultation process in German-speaking Switzerland, and leadership changes, but management has made no concessions. Tamedia says it will continue to invest in AI to automate standardized content, while emphasizing that human journalists remain responsible for quality journalism.
Tamedia CEO Defends Job Cuts Amid Staff Unrest
Swiss media group Tamedia is facing internal backlash over its decision to cut 34 full-time positions across its German-speaking and French-speaking newsrooms, resulting in 41 job losses. Employees protested near the company's headquarters in Zurich, demanding an immediate halt to redundancies. The podcast discussion highlights low staff morale, with editor Nick Lüthi noting that some reporters have withdrawn, which is detrimental for a media organization. The parent company TX Group remains profitable, which adds to employee frustration. The article also touches on SRG's redundancy wave following the March vote, where disagreements emerge on the causes—whether due to federal budget constraints or self-imposed pressure. The podcast episode was recorded at the editorial offices of persönlich Verlags AG.
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