“The choice has been difficult. I have worked in Bergens Tidende (BT) for 15 years. I have had a true love affair with the newspaper; it has become a part of me. I leave a fantastic editorial team that plays a very important role in Western Norway. I want to thank all my talented, loyal and inspiring colleagues. They deliver high quality journalism every day. I’m convinced they will continue doing so,” says Steiro.

Steiro became editor-in-chief in 2012. In the years before that he was BT’s news editor.

“It is a big loss for Bergens Tidende that Steiro is leaving. He is an exceptionally talented and popular editor. BT’s journalism has never been better than in recent years. The media house has set national agenda, it has won numerous awards for its investigative journalism, and it has been voted Website of the Year. Steiro has been a vital force through a long period. I am sorry that he is leaving, but at the same time I understand that he is now seeking new challenges. If Steiro is to leave BT, I am pleased that Schibsted Media Group can keep benefitting from his competence in another of our media houses”, says Didrik Munch, Chair of the Board in BT and CEO of Schibsted Norge.

The Board of BT now will now start the search for Steiro’s successor. Until further notice, he will remain in his current position.

“Bergens Tidende is well equipped to face the future. Although the media industry is undergoing major changes, it is still of vital importance that the newsrooms deliver quality content both online and on print. BT will continue doing so under the next editor-in-chief also,” says Munch.

VG

VG is Norway’s leading media house with 2.4 million readers online, mobile and print.

“Through some time now I have been impressed with the journalistic development in BT under Gard Steiro’s management. Some of the most debated issues in Norway in recent years have originated from his newsroom, which is very impressive considering the fact that BT is a regional newspaper. Gard has held almost any position in a newsroom. In my opinion, broad experience is essential for media executives in a time in which the media landscape is in rapid development. Gard has also proven that he mastered to be the top executive of the main media in a town such as Bergen, where I assume that politicians, the police and the football club are constantly testing the editor-in-chief. In other words, he is exceptionally well qualified in all areas for his new task,” says Torry Pedersen, Publisher of VG.

Gard Steiro will take on his new role in the autumn.

“This was the only job that could possibly make me leave Bergens Tidende. VG is Norway’s best editorial team and holds a unique digital position. I go to the task with humbleness, but most of all I look forward to getting to know new colleagues and contribute to further developing VG’s journalism,” says Steiro.