The biggest names in Swiss media are well-known - even beyond Switzerland’s borders.

The Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) is the most famous, although not the most widely-read. That distinction belongs to free daily, 20 Minuten.

As in any country, newspapers and magazines (and online portals) have their particular angle…or bias.

Here are 7 news and opinion outlets that - despite their smaller size - are still important to know in Switzerland.

Tippinpoint

Founded by journalist Maurice Thiriet (ex-Watson) and digital strategist Philippe Reichen, Tippinpoint is a subscription-based newsletter platform focusing on politics, media, and digital culture. It covers power structures and media analysis in Switzerland. Politically center-left, with a skeptical stance toward establishment narratives. Estimated readership in the low thousands, mainly among urban professionals and media insiders.

Nebelspalter

Nebelspalter was originally founded in 1875 as a satirical magazine, making it one of the oldest publications in Switzerland. It was known for political cartoons and sharp humor, often mocking the powerful. In 2021, it was revived as a digital-first political magazine by Markus Somm, former editor-in-chief of Basler Zeitung and close to SVP circles. The modern Nebelspalter positions itself as a classical liberal-conservative outlet, covering politics, economics, and Swiss identity with sharp polemics and a heavy dose of satire. Right-leaning to libertarian, often critical of government overreach and mainstream media. Readership estimated around 10,000–20,000 monthly, skewing older and politically engaged.

Watson

Launched in 2014 by Hansi Voigt (ex-20 Minuten), Watson is a digital-native news platform aimed at younger audiences. It covers Swiss and international news, pop culture, lifestyle, and social justice topics. Politically progressive to center-left, with a focus on gender, climate, and equality issues. Daily reach is around 400,000–500,000 unique users.

Weltwoche

Led by Roger Köppel, SVP National Councillor and ex-NZZ am Sonntag editor-in-chief, Weltwoche is one of the most influential conservative publications in Switzerland. Topics range from Swiss politics and global affairs to culture and economics, often with contrarian takes. Politically right-wing to national-conservative, sometimes accused of populism. Estimated weekly readership around 50,000–70,000.

Republik

Founded in 2018 by Constantin Seibt and a group of media entrepreneurs, Republik is crowdfunded and membership-based, emphasizing longform investigative journalism. Covers democracy, justice, inequality, and power structures, both domestic and international. Politically left-liberal, with a strong institutional critique and transparency ethos. Estimated paying membership around 27,000.

Infosperber

Founded by retired journalist Urs P. Gasche, Infosperber is a non-profit, volunteer-run platform aiming to expose media blind spots and systemic issues. It focuses on public health, media ethics, international politics, and social justice. Politically center-left to left-green, with a strong emphasis on independent critique. Estimated monthly reach in the low tens of thousands.

Bajour

Launched in Basel in 2019 by a team of young journalists and supported by foundations like Civic Media, Bajour blends local reporting with civic engagement. It emphasizes community dialogue, social inclusion, and environmental issues. Politically progressive to center-left, with a focus on participatory journalism. Estimated readership in the 5,000–10,000 range, mostly in Basel.

7 Lesser-Known Media Outlets in Switzerland