Peter Knechtli’s Basel media service Online Reports was forced to moderate its reporting on the intervention of BALEX. In violation of journalistic duties of care, Knechtli had identified a defendant in a report. As a result, BALEX threatened a lawsuit and Online Reports moderated the current reporting. But Knechtli turned out to be a bad loser. Instead of owning up to his mistake, he complained — the one who likes to criticise his professional colleague — about this professional rebuke.
In media circles, Online Reports are repeatedly the focus of speculation regarding their financing. Knechtli operates an account under the title of “Recherchefonds” (research funds) through which its donors can finance his editorial office. However, he does not disclose who these donors are, which exposes him to accusations of lack of transparency.