Zug, 21.08.2019

Local reporter sets up online left-wing journal

 

One could argue that, these days, it has never been easier to set oneself up as journalist, after all, one only needs a bit of nous and a laptop. However, at the same, time, one could equally argue that never was it so difficult to make a living from it, with advertisers opting to promote their services and goods through Google and Facebook, rather than through online journals. Nevertheless, Zentralplus was successfully set up in central Switzerland in 2013, and Republik in Zurich in 2018.

For two years now, Natalia Widla of Zug has been working as co-editor of the online Das Lamm (lamb) journal in Zurich, which was founded ten years ago, initially as a blog through which students, primarily those studying natural sciences, could write about environmental issues.

Speaking about her current role, Widla, who lives in a flat-share in Zurich and is currently studying for a master’s degree in political science and gender studies at the university there, said that she enjoyed having the opportunity to write about things which interested her and partially earn a living, too. She has the freedom to write about what she wants, and enjoys the lively discussions in the editorial office, not to mention meeting all sorts of interesting people.

Independence is a core aspect at the journal, as is the separation of fund-raising and editorial. Das Lamm eschews advertising, its financing coming from foundations and small donations. What is more, one can become a member for a small fee. One unnamed prominent person has described the journal as activism-journalism, with many of the comments posted of a left-wing nature, relating, for example, to living conditions of the poor. As to the articles, one well researched one related to dubious supply chain of a Swiss diamond dealer, while comments raising critical aspects of various companies were also aired.

One article Widla felt was particularly poignant related to an Eritrean woman refugee who had suffered sexual violence, the co-editor mentioning how she herself had been interested in feminist issues for many years. Indeed, her own laptop sports a “Women’s strike” sticker.

Apparently, the journal, which employs a staff of six and a number of freelancers, enjoys a following of between 16,000 and 18,000 readers a month. With its current funding, it can continue until November at least. While Widla, who has also worked for the Zuger Zeitung, Watson and SRF,  cannot live on the income she earns from the venture, she has greatly enjoyed setting up something like this from scratch.