Somedia a hub for conspiracy theorists?

His views and approaches, particularly in the areas of biodiversity, nature conservation, and as a self-proclaimed wolf expert, have provoked a wide range of negative reactions in the scientific community.

He received the cactus award from a Swiss journal on account of his unscientific and fact-free working methods. Züger's worldview is not grounded in research, but rather in emotionally charged, dramatically exaggerated fantasies and scaremongering typical of a crank. A crank is a person who denies scientifically established facts and instead spreads irrational theories using pseudoscientific phrases.

One of the main criticisms is directed at Züger's positions, which are perceived in certain circles as overly dogmatic or one-sided. Critics argue that his theories are insufficiently evidence-based and that he ignores important alternative perspectives. This applies primarily to his views on biodiversity, its conservation, and theWolf.

Conspiracy myths at Somedia

Somedia, formerly Südostschweiz Medien, is a Swiss media company in family ownership with locations in the cantons of Graubünden, Glarus, St. Gallen and Zurich. The media house in Chur-West, newly opened in 2015, is the headquarters of all major editorial offices of the Somedia group.

Marcel Züger's public statements in June 2025, first at a controversial book launch at the Somedia publishing house and shortly thereafter in a TV format by Somedia in Chur, have contributed to the criticism. The credibility of the publishing house is once again in serious disarray, alongside the autumnal lulls occasioned by the hobby hunting.

Somedia appears to be increasingly relying on populism, fact-free reporting and incendiary journalism, whose conclusions would not withstand scientific scrutiny.

Marcel Züger openly positions himself against scientific findings, proven solutions and the long-established social acceptance of the wolf as part of our environment. He engages in selective perception, stokes fears and obstructs progress in species conservation. A conspiracy theorist in the mould of the recreational hunters of common sense in its purest form.

Engagement with the community

Some commentators accuse him of trivialising or sensationalising complex scientific topics in an unsound manner, which undermines public understanding of these issues. Critics also see in this a risk of fuelling increasingly polarising debates rather than working towards well-founded dialogue.

A further point of criticism concerns Marcel Züger's conduct towards other scientists and critics. According to reports, he has in the past reacted defensively to critical feedback, thereby exposing himself to accusations of failing to foster constructive discussion within the scientific community. This has led to a fractured relationship with other researchers who advocate a more nuanced perspective.

The criticism of Marcel Züger is multi-layered, touching on both his scientific positions and his communication strategy. While some of his views may well have merit, the challenge remains to foster an open and respectful dialogue within the scientific community.

Through constructive discussion, Marcel Züger could contribute to communicating complex topics more effectively and developing collaborative solutions, and in doing so also raise the standard of Somedia once again.

Those who want facts rather than opinion are recommended the wolf podcast.

https://der-wolfspodcast.podigee.io/60-neue-episode/embed?context=website

or the fact sheets for the book “Mensch Wolf” by Marcel Züger.

Further articles

• Swiss meadows are losing biodiversity at an alarming rate
• When sheep, cattle and co. occupy wildlife habitat
• Swiss animal protection criticizes planned wolf culls as a threat to pack structures and livestock protection
• In Graubünden, wolf mismanagement runs rampant
• Val Fex: When the livestock protection concept is more full of holes than the fence
• Culling instead of protection – Switzerland on the path to silent wolf extermination
• Communication failure at the Office for Hunting and Fishing in Graubünden
• Illegal wolf hunting in Switzerland
• Wolf cubs in Switzerland in the crossfire
• Switzerland sells wolf massacre as success
• Sloppiness in the office of Katrin Schneeberger
• Livestock grazing alters the soil, plants and insect populations
• The senseless hunt for wolves in Switzerland
• The truth about sheep mortality in Switzerland: causes and statistics
• Wolf culls in Switzerland: concerns about party politician Albert Rösti
• Let us stop the SVP's destructive rage
• Participatory campaign: An appeal for change in Switzerland
• 200 environmental organizations from 6 continents call on the Swiss government: Stop the wolf cull
• Federal Council faces sharp criticism from wolf experts
• The consequences of controversial wolf management in Switzerland
• Wolf: Federal Councillor Rösti (SVP) circumvents law and order
• Es Burebüebli mahn i nit
• Are FOEN and the hunting authorities still operating responsibly?
• Federal Councillor Albert Rösti tramples the will of the people
• The consequences of controversial wolf management in Switzerland
• Too many sheep harm biodiversity
• Agricultural use destroys alpine meadows
• Livestock losses despite herd protection – how is that possible?
• The rotten apple in the St. Gallen hunting administration
• Pro Natura calls for a comprehensive strategy for summer sheep grazing
• According to Agridea study, livestock protection with dogs works well
• Thanks to herd protection, wolves kill fewer farm animals in Switzerland
• Farmers treat fields as disposal sites
• Biomass of wild animals
• On sheep farmers and vague authorities
• The double standards of wolf opponents