Statements des Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer

Ursula Nötzli, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer

Dear Readers

Sustainable practices are an integral part of a company built on long tradition and the support of an engaged family of shareholders. This has always been a key concern that we now want to systematically document and develop. From a technical point of view, the sustainability report was prepared in accordance with the GRI standards (Global Reporting Initia­tive). It provides a framework for the areas of economy, society and environment. It is thanks to the dialogue with TX Group’s stakeholders that a materiality analysis has succeeded in creating a genuinely relevant focus.

«Social aspect» is the key element at its core. By this we mean the impact of our work on society and the question of how we perceive social responsibility as a company towards our stakeholders, in particular towards our employees. Over the course of 2023, we will develop a detailed sustainability strategy where we will define clear and - where appropriate - quantified targets for the most important topics. First and foremost, our distinctive role as Switzerland’s largest private media company is of utmost relevance to our society. In order to fulfil our journalistic responsibility at all times, we are committed to quality assurance. Tamedia has published an annual quality report since 2017; this is unique and allows us and our journalists to remain critical at all times. Our quality monitoring will be revised in 2023 and will increasingly address the demands of digital journalism. From now on, this report will be an integral part of the sustainability report.

Our employees are at the heart of our business and are therefore of great importance for TX Group. We promote an appreciative and respectful corporate culture, fully aware that the well-being of each and every individual has an impact on sustainable performance. At Tamedia in particular, the culture of cooperation is a serious and also challenging issue in light of recent events - which included allegations in the area of mobbing and sexual harassment. We strictly condemn improper behaviour; external and internal investigations have assisted to clarify the situation. Corrective measures have been taken. Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities are fundamental to us. Our core values, which we will redefine in 2023 and which together with the purpose of our Group and of the individual companies form the basis of our corporate culture, will also reflect this. Finally, the careful use of natural resources is also very important. The production of paper is particularly emission-intensive and the selection of paper suppliers is crucial: around half of our paper comes from Switzerland, and the proportion of recycled paper is at a proud 90 per cent. TX Group began its rigorous effort to reduce emissions ten years ago by entering into a cooperation agreement with the Energy Agency for Business (Energie-Agentur der Wirtschaft). The agreement binds us to concrete targets and measures; these are audited annually by the Swiss Confederation. It is our ambition - in close cooperation with our large customers, whose print jobs require more than half of the paper used - to set clear objectives for further emission reductions in our sustainability strategy.

We have already successfully taken numerous steps on our path to improving sustainability. However, many more are yet to follow - which is why we are determined to progress rapidly in the current year and grow in line with our goals. Thank you very much for your trust and support.

Ursula Nötzli

Statements des Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer