Since its foundation, Schibsted has carried the torch for independent media and freedom of speech, keeping the public informed and empowered.
The free press is a fundamental cornerstone of a democratic society. At its best, journalism aims to close the gap between what citizens know and what they need to know about the world around them. Schibsted’s independent media houses reach millions of people daily. That reach comes with a responsibility to contribute to a democratic and transparent society by providing independent news and information and promoting freedom of speech.
Achieving a high level of trust in society requires trustworthy information – and it is up to the news media to provide it. At Schibsted’s media houses, this happens every day – by holding powerful people accountable, producing factual and reliable media content, and inviting people to see and understand a wide variety of lived experiences.
Journalism has no formal power, though. It is a searchlight used to uncover facts and examine and highlight different voices, values and actors in society. And especially when it comes to abuse of power, it is an important tool to balance the voices that are not always heard.
Exposing inequality, putting pressure on politicians to act and ensuring that people’s voices are heard are the core activities of Schibsted’s media houses and collectively they represent a unique tool to empower people in their daily lives. For us, that means enlightening our readers and providing them with accessible, transparent, informative and balanced media content.
We often highlight the deep dives, the investigative journalism that uncovers power imbalance and wrongdoings – but the everyday journalism is equally important for a functioning society. Shining the light on issues that affect people in their everyday lives, and informing people about what’s happening around them is vital for a democratic society to work.
