Among the School’s alumni are entrepreneurs, media executives, editors, reporters for well-known media products in Switzerland and abroad, journalism award winners, politicians and others with impressive careers in various fields. Some of our alumni include Michael Ringier (publisher), Marc Walder (CEO Ringier Group), Arthur Honegger (SRF 10vor10 news anchor), Christian Dorer (Head of Communications for the Migros Group), Martin Beglinger (long-time NZZ writer), Rita Flubacher (business journalist for the Tages-Anzeiger), Stefan Barmettler (writer for the Handelszeitung), Silvia Binggeli (editor-in-chief of Schweizer Illustrierte), Catherine Duttweiler (former editor-in-chief of the Bieler Tagblatt), Peer Teuwsen (head of culture at NZZ am Sonntag), Ueli Schmezer (long-time presenter of Kassensturz on SRF), Stefan Reinhart (SRF correspondent in Berlin), Tanya König (presenter of G&G SRF), Susanne Hochuli (former member of the government of Aargau), Andreas Böni (editor-in-chief of Sport Blue), Yolanda Risi (ex-racing driver), Thomas Trüb (former Ringier manager and founder of Cash), Christoph Zürcher (editor of NZZ am Sonntag), Gregor Sonderegger (member of the SRF editorial board).
The school, located in the Villa Römerhalde in Zofingen, has been training journalists for five decades and places great value on quality craftsmanship, independent thinking and practical experience. Since its founding, seven people have led the School of Journalism: Werner Meier (1974-1978), Franz C. Widmer (1979-1986), Manuel Isler (1987-1998), Fridolin Luchsinger (1998-2009), Jürg Lehmann (2009-2010), Hannes Britschgi (2011-2022). In 2022, Peter Hossli will take over. He emphasizes research, writing and the distinction between journalism and activism. Aspiring journalists are trained to present facts impartially and to avoid political agendas. The school’s curriculum has evolved over time to include digital tools such as AI, but the core principles of accurate research and clear stories remain unchanged. Despite discussions of a media crisis, Ringier believes the need for well-trained journalists is greater than ever.
The Ringier School of Journalism is committed to presenting journalism as a challenging and rewarding profession that thrives on curiosity and dedication. It encourages aspiring journalists to focus on field work rather than routine office work and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in today’s media.
A big party in honor of the Ringier School of Journalism will take place in Zurich on Wednesday evening, September 18, 2024. Some 450 invited guests from the media, business and politics are expected to attend.
Marc Walder, Frank A. Meyer and Peter Hossli will welcome entrepreneur Nick Hayek, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner and two Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists from the New York Times, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.
Happy birthday, dear JouSchu!
The first class at the Ringier School of Journalism 1974-1976: Aeberli Oskar, Biffaud-Schmid Regula, Billerbeck Ewald, Brassel Margrit, Brotschi Urs, Cantieni Benita, Conne Jean-Louis, Eckert Heinz, Etter-Thomann Liselotte, Gebele Rolf, Gygax René E., Hunn Elisabeth, Klein Christoph, Müller Rolf C., Ringier Michael, Ritter Hans, Trüb Thomas, Weber Heinz, Widmer-Egger Monica, Yoder-Brunnschweiler Christine, Zücker Irène. Head of School: Werner Meier. Fotocredits: StAAG/RBA
The anniversary graduating class of 2024: Nicola Abt, Robin Bäni, Sara Belgeri, Nicolas Horni, Noemi Hüsser, Janik Leuenberger, Lena Madonna, Vanessa Nyfeler, Lea Oetiker, Joschka Schaffner, Anja Schäublin, Yara Vettiger, Samuel Walder. Headmaster: Peter Hossli. Fotocredits: Stefan Bohrer.