Latest news with #JamesSavage
Local Sweden
5 days ago
- Politics
- Local Sweden
Inside Sweden: Why we're asking members to help The Local
The Local's editor Emma Löfgren rounds up the biggest stories of the week in our Inside Sweden newsletter. Advertisement Hej, You may have noticed a new message to members from our co-founder, publisher and CEO, James Savage, at the bottom of articles this week. He writes: I would like to thank you for supporting The Local as a member. It's been absolutely crucial of late. But here's the thing: right now, we are facing challenges of a kind we have never experienced in our 21-year history. Global tech giants are eating up a bigger and bigger share of advertising budgets, while making us less and less visible on their platforms. That makes operating as a small player in an already challenging sector even more difficult, especially when costs are rising. Our mission has always been to help people living in another country feel at home, to champion your rights, to keep you in the loop. For us to keep doing that, we need your support. If you are able to support us further, please consider making a donation. You can click here and follow the steps to leave a donation amount that suits you. This will help keep us going and allow us to continue doing the journalism that matters to you. Every word of what James wrote is true. We've had one of our most important news cycles in the past few weeks, being the first and almost only media outlet to cover Sweden's citizenship freeze. But journalism costs money, and right now it's hard to break even as a relatively small newsroom in this world of tech giants and far bigger media actors – or even break through the noise of the domestic Swedish-language media. The biggest change in Sweden since the last election has been the government's so-called "migration paradigm shift", which has had a life-changing impact on many foreigners living and working in this country. Advertisement With just over a year to go until the next election – and less than a year until stricter citizenship laws, and possibly stricter work permit conditions, come into force – making sure those affected are actually heard in the public debate is more crucial than ever. I'd like to think we can make an impact together. Thank you for being a member. If you want to help but are not able to make a donation, please tell a friend about us and ask them to become a member. Any help we get can make a huge difference. To us as a media company, as journalists, but also to raising the voices of those who still believe in a hopeful, constructive and international vision for Sweden and the rest of the world. In other news Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who chaired the agency managing adoptions to Sweden some 20 years ago, has said he's not ruling out an apology after an inquiry unveiled widespread abuses spanning several decades. With just over a year to go until Sweden's next election, a key poll suggests that the centre-left Social Democrats may take a decisive leap forward. Sweden's streets are filled with jubilant high school students. Why are they there, and what are they doing? This week's episode of Sweden in Focus Extra for Membership+ subscribers features an interview with Francisca Leonardo, founder of the tour company Xperience Stockholm. I really enjoyed my conversation with her. GAMES: Have you tried The Local's games for Membership+ subscribers yet? We've got a new crossword and word search puzzle out now A new agreement between Sweden and Estonia means that up to 600 criminals convicted in Sweden could serve time in prisons in Estonia, in what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has described as a "historic" deal. Advertisement Foreign citizens are significantly over-represented in Swedish prisons. Here are some of the rules about how they should be treated. A government-commissioned inquiry this week proposed a series of suggestions that would make it cheaper to travel to Arlanda Airport. And finally, from summer activity tips to rail disruptions, here's everything you need to know about travelling in Sweden this summer. Have a good weekend, Emma Löfgren Editor, The Local Sweden Inside Sweden is our weekly newsletter for members which gives you news, analysis and, sometimes, takes you behind the scenes at The Local. It's published each Saturday and with Membership+ you can also receive it directly to your inbox.
Local Sweden
08-04-2025
- Business
- Local Sweden
The Local's Sweden in Focus podcast shortlisted for award
Sweden in Focus, The Local's weekly news podcast, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Publisher Podcast Awards in the Best News Podcast category. Advertisement Sweden in Focus is one of ten shortlisted entries in the The Publisher Podcast Awards' Best News Podcast category alongside podcasts by publishers like the Financial Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, The Telegraph and The Times. The awards are open to podcasts by any publisher, from indie magazines to the world's largest news brands. Sweden in Focus is The Local's weekly podcast where we discuss the big news and talking points in Sweden as well as explore and explain the big issues that impact life in the country. We also answer your essential questions and look ahead at what's on the agenda. In each episode presenter Paul O'Mahony chats about the most important news and must-know information with The Local's James Savage, Emma Löfgren, Richard Orange and Becky Waterton. They are frequently joined by other expert commentators. The sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. 'We're really pleased to get this nomination,' Paul O'Mahony said after the shortlist was announced. 'A lot of hard work goes into the podcast but it's also really fun to make. The positive feedback we get from listeners makes us want to dig deeper into the issues that matter for foreigners in Sweden.' Each entry is scored on a range of factors, taking into account the podcast's performance, audience engagement and how it aligns strategically with the business. Advertisement 'We've had an amazing response from listeners to Sweden in Focus, not least from all those who have signed up to our premium membership to listen to extended podcasts,' added James Savage. 'Our Sweden in Focus listeners have become the core of our business and it's great to have that recognised in this nomination.' Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on June 11th.
