Bergens Tidende was awarded a SKUP diploma at this year’s investigative journalism conference in Tønsberg, for the project “What no one was supposed to know about the helicopter preparedness. ”The investigation revealed serious weaknesses in Norway’s offshore rescue system – issues that had remained hidden from the public until a tragic helicopter accident off the coast of Sotra claimed the life of Reidun Hestetun in 2024.
A combination of methods
The team behind the project — Tron Strand, Anders Grimsrud Eriksen and Kjetil Gillesvik — used a combination of data analysis, modeling, source work and access to public documents to investigate the system. Among the findings: some rescue helicopters were not visible to the joint rescue coordination centre’s systems; a fully equipped rescue helicopter stationed nearby was not dispatched during the fatal incident; and pilot training had been reduced following a change in the government’s helicopter contract.
“This story has already made a real impact,” said Trond Olav Skrunes, editor-in-chief of Bergens Tidende. “Authorities have implemented changes, the issue has been raised in Parliament, and the public now has insight into critical weaknesses that were previously hidden. I am deeply impressed by the work of Tron, Anders and Kjetil – and incredibly proud on behalf of BT.”
Vital role for democracy
“Bergens Tidende continues to deliver some of the country’s best investigative journalism. This project is a powerful reminder of the vital role regional journalism plays in Norwegian democracy. We are incredibly proud of what BT has achieved,” said Siv Juvik Tveitnes, CEO of Schibsted Media.
The SKUP Award – Norway’s most prestigious prize for investigative journalism – was given to TV 2 for the project “Russerhyttene”, which revealed how individuals with ties to Russian intelligence had acquired properties near sensitive infrastructure in Norway. In addition, SKUP diplomas were awarded to NRK for the project “Instukids” and to Nord24/Nordlys for their investigation into “Fristbrudd-saken”.
A total of 47 entries were submitted to this year’s SKUP jury.
