Norwegian historians and newspaper officials have downplayed the role of the Norwegian press in spreading anti-Semitism both before, during and after World War II, claims the author of a new book provocatively entitled Det Norske Jødehatet (The Norwegian Hatred of Jews). The current editor of Norway’s biggest newspaper, Aftenposten, agrees, and has responded with a […]
Suddenly, a string of business woes
September 25, 2019
NEWS ANALYSIS: A huge surprise loss at Norway’s biggest bank, a bankruptcy that set off massive inconvenience, layoffs at major Norwegian companies, calls to rein in the oil industry and new concerns over debt and and high housing prices are just some of the bulletins suddenly jarring the perception of a strong Norwegian economy. Even […]
Newspaper scolded over Giske coverage
August 28, 2019
One of Norway’s largest national newspapers, VG, was declared guilty Wednesday on five counts of breaking ethical standards set by the National Press Federation (Norsk Presseforbund). VG itself had pleaded guilty to two counts in its coverage of how Labour Party politician Trond Giske was photographed dancing late at night with a young woman in […]
‘Arendalsuka wastes taxpayers’ money’
August 12, 2019
Top politicians, state officials, journalists and not least lobbyists are gathering in the scenic coastal town of Arendal again this week, to see and be seen, and debate major issues of the day. The head of Norway’s Center Party, who normally promotes ventures outside of Oslo, calls it all “a huge waste of taxpayers’ money.” […]
State agency sorry for its fake news
June 26, 2019
The new chief executive of the state-owned and funded Innovation Norway, which promotes business development and tourism in Norway, responded to charges on Wednesday that the entire agency should be ashamed of itself. Håkon Haugli, a former politician who took over at the agency last month, says he’s “extremely sorry” its tourism division spread what […]
Tourism promoters fooled the world
June 25, 2019
State-funded Norwegian tourism promoters mounted what may be their most dubiously successful campaign ever. A northern island that supposedly wanted to stop time grabbed lots of media attention around the world, but now it may cost lots of international credibility. Time ran out this week for the campaign launched by Innovasjon Norge (Innovation Norway), which promotes Norwegian […]
‘All of Norway was talking’
May 27, 2019
Or arguing, as the case may be. An event mounted by state broadcaster NRK and other local media matched Norwegians who vehemently disagreed with one another on topics ranging from transport to wolves, to met face-to-face during the weekend instead of simply in the commentary fields of social media. The goal was to see what […]
Royals confronted again, now over oil
April 12, 2019
For the second time in as many weeks, members of Norway’s royal family have been confronted while abroad with what’s seen as the hypocrisy of Norwegian climate and environmental policy. Crown Prince Haakon was the latest to receive a plea for help, this time in a South Pacific island nation that’s threatened by the carbon […]
NRK loses rights to air winter sports
April 11, 2019
State-financed Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) couldn’t bid high enough to secure the Nordic broadcasting rights to large portions of World Cup and World Championship winter sports competition from 2021. NRK has thus lost the rights to air around 40 percent of Norway’s skiing star’s performances, after commercial interests prevailed over national public broadcasting. “We are of […]
NRK license fees to be replaced
March 28, 2019
Norway’s longtime means of financing state broadcaster NRK through mandatory licensing fees will be phased out as of January 1. A new funding program will lead to the closure NRK’s license department in the Northern Norwegian city of Mo i Rana, throwing its 100 employees out of work but also offering them new opportunities. The […]
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