Nowadays, Schibsted’s newspapers hold leading positions not only in Norway but also in Sweden, Estonia, France and Spain. In total, our newspapers are read by more than 12.7 million people each day.
Our publishing tradition
Schibsted is based on the publishing tradition that allows newspapers and other media to have freedom of expression and which underlines the assumption of editorial independence. This tradition has developed throughout the Group’s long lifetime and is a necessary prerequisite for success in that it inspires confidence in the readers and users.
Media house strategy
Schibsted’s major newspapers comply with a media house strategy that entails the newspapers following readers and advertisers irrespective of the media channel. Through the Internet, mobile phones, radio, sound and live pictures, combined with the traditional printed newspapers, the media houses provide news, useful articles and entertainment throughout the media day.
Norway
In Norway, Schibsted owns the country’s two largest newspapers, Verdens Gang and Aftenposten, as well as the Harstad Tidende Group. In addition, it owns stakes in major regional newspapers: Adresseavisen, Bergens Tidende, Stavanger Aftenblad and Fædrelandsvennen.
The establishment of Media Norge has been allowed since the Independent Media Ownership Council suspended the Norwegian Media Authority's refusal. Media Norge will own Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende, Stavanger Aftenblad, Fædrelandsvennen and FINN.no, and a listing on the stock-exchange is expected during fall of 2008. Schibsted will own 50,1 percent of the company.
Sweden
In Sweden, Schibsted bought Aftonbladet in 1996 and Svenska Dagbladet two years later. Aftonbladet has since become the largest newspaper in the Nordic region. Svenska Dagbladet has undergone fundamental changes and is now a role model for many other newspapers.
Spain and France
20 Minutes, which is distributed free to those travelling on public transport in major cities, among others, has become the most read daily newspaper in Spain and France. Over a period of three to five years, 20 Minutes has become the most read daily newspaper in its main areas and is read by the very attractive group of young, urban people in Switzerland, Spain and France. 20 Minuten was established by Schibsted in Switzerland in 1999 but sold to tamedia, Switzerland’s largest newspaper company, in January 2005.
Estonia
Schibsted is the majority shareholder in the Eesti Media Group in Estonia. This group of companies publishes Estonia’s two largest newspapers, Postimees and SL Õhtuleht, as well as several local newspapers, and owns 50 per cent of the Estonian Magasin Group, which publishes a number of magazines.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, Schibsted owns the single copy newspaper L.T., which was bought in 2005, and the free newspaper 15min which is distributed in the country's three biggest cities.
Russia
In 2006, Schibsted bought the weekly free newspaper Moi Rayon in Saint Petersburg, and in the autumn of 2006 this paper was also launched in Moscow. Moi Rayon has become the most read newspaper in Saint Petersburg.