Schibsted Editorial Report 2014 | Page 76

AFTONBLADET AFTONBLADET METHODS A media house like Aftonbladet has a broad span of sources – everything from press releases, information from authorities and news from other media channels, to information on the internet, through social media and tips from readers, etc. The unique Swedish Protection of Sources law, embedded in the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act, allows sources to pass information to the media without the risk of being exposed to the authorities. This is an important principle that should be protected because it provides the public an insight into anomalies that would otherwise not be exposed. Aftonbladet does, in certain circumstances, pay a fee for the tips that lead to proper journalism. This is in line with the Swedish Newspaper Publishers association, (Tidningsutgivarna), recommendation. Discussions of ethics are always an important issue at Aftonbladet. The evening paper’s special forms of expression and its engaging journalistic manner make it a necessity to keep ethics in mind on a daily basis. Staff are continuously trained at ethics seminars. Talks with the publisher about materials that might be ethically sensitive take place daily. The Swedish Ladies Ski Team took a well earned gold medal in the 4x5 km cross country in the winter Olympics in Sotji. PHOTO: STEFAN MATTSON. LEGAL MATTERS Aftonbladet has been sued in the Stockholm District Court by Dr Thomas Jackson for defamation due to an article about him that was published in 2013. Dr. Jackson claims totally MSEK 5. Complaints to Swedish: Press Council: 15 Corrections by Swedish: Press Council: 6 INNOVATIONS News journalism this year was marked by extensive renewal, partly driven by the journalistic challenges of a super election year. In the run-up to parliamentary elections, Aftonbladet broadcast the first online party leader debate ever, delivering new content and setting a new tone. The debate was hailed by viewers, experts and party leaders. With Sweden Thinks, Aftonbladet revamped its opinion polling methods. A large panel chosen from Schibsted’s online audience provided the basis for better and faster political and social journalism. With Election Compass, (the candidates and the new rulers), readers could match their own opinions against those of the parties and candidates before the election. Election Compass broke world records, (3.7 million performed), and provided input for over 50 news articles. Aftonbladet Morgon became the first morning programme on online TV. This daily three-hour broadcast exceeded all expectations, with an average of 260,000 streamings started daily. For-pay service Plus passed a milestone of 200,000 customers this year, thanks to a larger internal focus on feeding content to the service. An article series was produced exclusively for Plus for the very first time. Mayday Mayday, a feature series memorializing the Estonia catastrophe in 1994, was the launching point for a new format for digital storytelling: articles supported and strengthened by integrated documentary elements that include sound, video and graphics. The new Aftonbladet Tablet offers an enhanced news experience, aiming to get readers to stay longer. Since the launch of the Android version in December, page views have increased from 3.6 to 4.6 per visit. • Sportbladet renewed its extens