CHOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
watson is a Swiss German-language online news portal launched on 22 January 2014 by the start-up FixxPunkt AG, with funding from publisher Peter Wanner of AZ Medien; its founding editor-in-chief was former 20 Minuten chief Hansi Voigt. Editorial control passed to CH Media, which became the majority owner of FixxPunkt AG in 2023. CH Media is a Swiss media company founded in 2018 as a joint venture between AZ Medien (the Wanner family) and the NZZ Media Group.
Funding
watson is financed commercially, primarily through online advertising and sponsored content, within the CH Media group. It is not state- or party-funded.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is broadly centre to centre-left and tabloid-style in tone. Because it is privately owned by a commercial publisher (CH Media / the Wanner family and NZZ group) with no party or state control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 599
67/100
Factual
61/100
Objective
819
Articles
819
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Fairford suspects apparently gave themselves away with their own distress call.
Five men were arrested near the British Royal Air Force base RAF Fairford in late September due to terrorism suspicions. A report by the 'New York Times' reveals that one of the suspects allegedly called the police himself to alert them about the group. Three white delivery trucks were heading toward the military airfield, which is used by the U.S. Air Force and played a role in attacks against Iran. At around midnight, the police received a call about the suspicious vehicles, leading to the arrests. The UK anti-terrorism police confirmed investigations into the group over suspected preparation of a terrorist act. Significantly, the 'New York Times' investigation suggests that one of the men in the trucks reportedly placed the emergency call himself, though the reason remains unclear. Investigators continue to reconstruct the group's activities during that night.
A female-only ticket can be an affront
The article discusses growing calls for a female candidate in the Swiss Federal Council (Bundesrat) following the resignation of Guy Parmelin, a male member of the SVP (Swiss People's Party). The SVP has never nominated a woman for the position, and while some female politicians within the party express support for a mixed gender ticket, they do not explicitly demand a female candidate. Rita Fuhrer, a former SVP candidate who lost in 2000, notes that this historical lack of representation does not affect current candidates. Several female politicians, including Vroni Thalmann, Gianna Hablützel-Bürki, and Nina Fehr Düsel, acknowledge the potential for a female candidate but emphasize merit over gender. They suggest that if a woman is chosen, it would serve as a positive example for young women interested in politics.
Homosexual couple attacked in Bremen group of ten on the run
A homosexual couple was attacked in the old town of Bremen by a group of approximately ten young men. The incident occurred around 11 PM after celebrations for Germany's Unity Day. According to police, the attackers shouted homophobic insults in Arabic and physically assaulted the two men, who were on their way home along Sögestrasse, a busy shopping street during the day. One of the victims, a 29-year-old man, attempted to record the incident on his phone, which led to further escalation. Several attackers fled the scene unnoticed. The injured man was taken to a clinic for treatment.
Rape allegations new details increase pressure on Cornell University
The article reports on allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University, highlighting new details that have increased pressure on the institution. The focus is on the ongoing investigation into these claims and the growing scrutiny facing the university. While the article provides information about the situation, it does not offer specific details about the number of incidents, the identities of those involved, or the current status of any legal proceedings. The emphasis appears to be on the institutional responsibility and the need for accountability. No official sources are cited within the article, which limits the ability to verify the claims directly.
Donald Trump approves death by firing squad
The article reports that Nidal Malik Hasan, a U.S. military psychiatrist convicted of murdering 13 people during a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood military base, has been approved for execution by a firing squad. The decision was made after President Donald Trump gave his approval, following a recommendation by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hasan, who was wounded during the attack and now partially paralyzed, was sentenced to death in 2013. His execution would mark the first such event carried out by the U.S. military since 1961. The article notes Hasan’s belief that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were 'illegal' and describes him as a 'lone wolf' affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
You want to have a good time?
The article appears to be a humorous piece focusing on light-hearted entertainment rather than any specific news event. It includes playful commentary and jokes, such as references to a woman allegedly training her cats to steal from neighbors and various other whimsical observations. The tone is clearly comedic and does not address any serious political, social, or economic issue. No concrete information or events are reported, making it more of a satirical or entertaining segment.
Death of Epstein whistleblower: British MPs call for an investigation
Simon Andriesz, a former senior employee at financial services firm BCG Partners, disclosed information suggesting connections between current US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After his death in September in Thailand, British lawmakers are now calling for an investigation into how UK financial regulators handle whistleblowers. Andriesz had informed the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the FBI, and other agencies about alleged business ties between Epstein and Lutnick. Lutnick founded and led BCG Partners before being appointed to President Donald Trump’s administration. The information provided by Andriesz raises questions about previous public statements made by Lutnick regarding his relationships with Epstein.
Trump wants to squeeze diesel prices with tax relief
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at lowering diesel prices by allowing truck drivers and farmers temporary access to 'red diesel,' which is typically reserved for off-road use. Red diesel is tax-exempt for off-road vehicles but identical in composition to standard diesel. The measure is part of Trump's efforts to address rising fuel costs, with claims that it could also lower prices for other goods like food. The decision was announced during a campaign event in Nebraska and reported by CNN.
Stars show gray hair why normal people still dye their hair
The article discusses the growing trend among celebrities like Olivia Colman, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lisa Bonet who are embracing their natural gray hair, contrasting this with the continued habit of ordinary people to dye their hair. It highlights Colman’s appearance at the Zurich Film Festival with gray extensions and multiple shades of gray, which was celebrated online and praised by 'Vogue' as 'silver-haired muse.' The piece notes that while celebrities increasingly accept gray hair, women outside Hollywood face challenges, such as discrimination in the workplace, where going gray can hinder career opportunities. A quote from a woman struggling with employment due to her gray hair illustrates this issue.
Fighting for the Red Sea: Yemeni troops report successes
The headline 'Kampf ums Rote Meer: Jemenitische Truppen melden Erfolge' translates to 'Battle for the Red Sea: Yemeni troops report successes.' The article discusses military developments in the Red Sea region involving Yemeni forces. It highlights recent claims of success by Yemeni troops in their operations, likely referring to ongoing conflicts in the area. However, due to the lack of specific details in the provided text, the exact nature of these successes, their strategic significance, and any international responses remain unclear. The article appears to focus on the military actions of Yemeni forces but does not provide further elaboration.
Warm Mediterranean Sea increases storm risk in southern Europe
The article reports that the unusually warm Mediterranean Sea is increasing the risk of severe weather in southern Europe over the next few days. Heavy rainfall, hail, and strong gusts are expected across regions from Spain through France, Italy, and the Adriatic. The persistent heat from an exceptionally hot summer has kept the weather situation tense in the Mediterranean region. The European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX) warns of the potential for heavy to extreme rain in western and central parts of the Mediterranean on Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting areas around Spain, the Balearic Islands, and parts of the central Mediterranean. Isolated instances of strong wind gusts or tornadoes are also possible. Further east, weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled throughout the week, with thunderstorms anticipated in northern Italy starting Wednesday and heavier precipitation possible on Thursday.
That 's what makes Christa Rigozzi so mad when she 's hiking .
The article features an episode of the Swiss podcast 'Rauszeit-Podcast' where journalist Reto Fehr interviews Christa Rigozzi, a former Miss Switzerland and multifaceted personality. The discussion centers around her passion for nature, her current life balancing work and family, and her experiences with outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and mushroom picking. Rigozzi shares three hiking recommendations, including her favorite trail, a local hike, and one she would like to do. The podcast aims to provide practical tips for hiking enthusiasts across Switzerland.
Marc Surer's dream of the biggest success of his Formula One career is in flames.
The article recounts the career highlights of Swiss Formula One driver Marc Surer, focusing on his near miss at achieving podium finishes during the 1985 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Surer, who had limited success due to competing for smaller teams, was brought back into the sport by Bernie Ecclestone after being without a contract. He raced alongside Brazilian champion Nelson Piquet and faced off against Ayrton Senna, whom he described as giving space for overtaking. Surer recalls a moment where he overtook Senna, which he considered a personal victory. The piece reflects on Surer’s legacy and his close call with podium finishes, highlighting his experiences in Formula One.