by Stefan Brändle,* Paris
(10 May 2024) (CH-S) It is usually committed and courageous individuals who can win over their fellow citizens in favour of sensible innovations. Mayor Vincent Paul-Petit opens a mobile phone-free zone in the village of Seine-Port. A clear signal for the protection of children and young people, after decades of too little action on the part of the state.
by Thomas Fazi*
(3 May 2024) “Green” policies are simply the latest cover to pursue a specific agri-food model: an increasingly centralised, concentrated, globalised model centred around a few mega-farms.
Yesterday I participated in a great event organised by MCC Brussels on “European farming: which way now?”. Here’s the text of the speech that I gave:
by Sonja L. Bauer, head of the editorial team at “Berner Landbote”*
(3 May 2024) (CH-S) In the following presentation, journalist Sonja Laurèle Bauer analyses the role of the media, especially editors, during the coronavirus pandemic. She gave this slightly abridged presentation in Bern at the symposium “Corona – Fakes & Facts” on 6/7 April 2024. What demands can be placed on good journalism and what was lacking during the pandemic.
by Dr med. Sabine Vuilleumier*
(26 April 2024) The message of the symposium was clear: the next unknown pathogen must be dealt with in a scientifically sound and humane way. This applies even following its emergence, when much is still unknown in terms of its spread potential, transmission routes, danger to humans and treatment options. To achieve this goal, a thorough analysis of the past “corona-era” is urgently needed. What was done well can be retained, what was excessive or even harmful must be handled differently in the interests of all.
(19 April 2024) (Ed. CH-S) The public broadcasters ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio are in turmoil and criticism of the media giants, which are compulsorily financed by the public, is growing louder. Viewers and listeners are deserting them and turning to other media.
Is it so much different at Swiss Radio and Television SRF? Here, too, we only hear “filtered” and framed information and standardised opinions on the key issues of our time. “Nudging” is intended to coax us as media consumers towards the thinking desired by the media makers. In Germany, a group of employees of these media companies is now calling for a “new public service broadcasting”.
by Christine Staehelin*
(12 April 2024) Amid the current education debate – initiated by the Association of Head Teachers and Principals, followed by the Swiss Teachers’ Association LCH and various “school modernisers” – there is also talk of learning landscapes, individualised teaching and learning coaches. For teacher Christine Staehelin in Basel, this is an indication of a helplessness as to what the actual task of the school is.