A Guide to the Unique Newspaper Landscape of Liechtenstein

Welcome to your guide to the newspapers of the Principality of Liechtenstein, a nation with one of the most unique and concentrated media landscapes in Europe. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, the press in this German-speaking microstate has historically been defined by a duopoly, with two dominant daily newspapers traditionally reflecting the views of the country’s major political parties. However, a recent and significant shift has fundamentally altered this long-standing dynamic.

A Historic Duopoly

For decades, the print media in Liechtenstein was characterized by two main daily newspapers, each closely affiliated with one of the two major political parties that have historically governed in coalition.

• Liechtensteiner Vaterland (Liechtenstein Fatherland): Traditionally the official newspaper of the liberal-conservative Patriotic Union (VU), Vaterland is the country’s largest newspaper by circulation. Published by Vaduzer Medienhaus AG, it has been a central pillar of the nation’s media since 1936.

• Liechtensteiner Volksblatt (Liechtenstein People’s Paper): Serving as the long-time voice of the conservative Progressive Citizens’ Party (FBP), the Volksblatt was the nation’s oldest newspaper, founded in 1878.

This two-paper system created a unique environment where many citizens would read both publications to gain a balanced understanding of the political discourse from the perspectives of the two main parties.

A Fundamental Shift in the Media Landscape

In a landmark change for the country, the Liechtensteiner Volksblatt ceased its print operations in March 2023, ending a 145-year run.⁴ This has left the Liechtensteiner Vaterland as the sole remaining daily printed newspaper in the Principality. Following this development, Vaterland has announced its intention to adopt a more politically neutral stance to serve the entire population.

Digital News and Broadcasting

In addition to the print press, news and information are disseminated through several other key channels.

• Online Portals: Both the Liechtensteiner Vaterland (vaterland.li)⁵ and the Liechtensteiner Volksblatt (volksblatt.li) maintain active online news portals, which have become crucial sources of real-time information.
• Public Broadcasting: Radio Liechtenstein (Radio L) is the public radio broadcaster and a primary source of news, discussion, and cultural programming for the nation.⁶
• Television: The privately-owned 1FLTV is the country’s only television station.

Due to its location and language, the people of Liechtenstein also have seamless access to a wide variety of newspapers, television channels, and online media from neighboring Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which significantly broadens their sources of information.

Explore our collection on w3worldnewspapers.com to connect with the distinct and evolving voice of the Liechtensteiner press.