After a period of internal criticism, Eivind undrum Jacobsen is stepping down from his position as region editor for NRK Midt, overseeing Innlandet, Trøndelag, and Møre og Romsdal regions.
NRK district director marius Lillelien confirmed the news to Journalisten on Thursday. According to Lillelien, Undrum Jacobsen initiated the conversation about his position yesterday.
Undrum Jacobsen has faced criticism in recent months, especially from veteran NRK journalist Kari Sørbø during her departure, focusing on the handling of the series “Ingen elsker Bamsegutt” (No One Loves Bamsegutt) and the termination of the collaboration with Tore Strømøy earlier this year.
The past year has been challenging for the NRK tyholt surroundings,marked by notable issues and discussions surrounding difficult decisions,Lillelien acknowledges.
Lillelien believes a new leader is needed at this time. Undrum Jacobsen will transition to other roles within NRK.
News editor Nareas Sae-Khow will assume the role of acting regional editor promptly.
Lillelien believes the timing is right for the leadership change. With NRK Trøndelag’s move to a new building next year,having a new leader familiar with the project is crucial,he asserts in response to Journalisten.
Last week, a staff meeting was held for NRK Trøndelag employees following the criticism from Sørbø, who expressed concerns about a lack of leadership presence in an internal email.
Prior to the meeting, NJ union leader Hanne bernhardsen Nordvåg stated that several employees had voiced a need for a more involved leader. Undrum Jacobsen responded to this statement to Adresseavisen, emphasizing communication with employees and trade unions on a daily basis through collaborative forums.
Journalisten reached out to NRK’s central leadership for comment on Undrum Jacobsen’s standing following reports of certain environments at Tyholt expressing critical views on his leadership.
Lillelien denies receiving any organized feedback regarding Undrum Jacobsen’s trust from NRK Trøndelag employees. Undrum Jacobsen hasn’t responded to Journalisten’s requests for comment.
Undrum Jacobsen will now take on a new role at the intersection of content production and technology, focusing on NRK’s significant platform change.
“I have had exciting and enriching years.Ther have also been some challenging issues, and decisions that not everyone has agreed with. But, above all, I am grateful to have worked with many incredibly talented colleagues.I will carry that with me into my new role,” Undrum Jacobsen stated in an NRK press release.
How is NRK addressing employee concerns about leadership and dialogue after recent changes?
Q&A: Eivind Undrum Jacobsen’s Transition at NRK and the Future of Regional Journalism
In an exclusive interview,Time.news Editor speaks with Mariuus Lillelien, NRK District Director, about the recent leadership changes at NRK Midt and the implications for regional journalism.
Time.news: Thank you for joining us, Marius. Let’s start with the recent news. Eivind Undrum Jacobsen is stepping down as region editor for NRK midt. What led to this decision?
Marius lillelien: Thank you for having me. Eivind initiated the conversation about his position after a period of internal reflection and discussion. The past several months have been challenging for NRK, notably surrounding critical projects and some public criticism from veteran journalists. We believe that a leadership change is timely and necessary for the future direction of the region.
Time.news: Can you elaborate on the criticisms that Undrum Jacobsen faced,particularly regarding the series “Ingen elsker Bamsegutt”?
Marius Lillelien: Certainly. The series received scrutiny, especially during Kari Sørbø’s departure, when she highlighted concerns about the leadership’s handling of sensitive content and collaboration decisions, such as with Tore strømøy. These events reflected a broader sentiment among employees about needing stronger leadership and more inclusive communication.
Time.news: It truly seems clear there has been a call for change. How do you feel a new leader can address these challenges?
Marius Lillelien: A fresh viewpoint can be incredibly beneficial, especially with NRK Trøndelag’s upcoming transition to a new building next year. We need someone who is well-versed in our projects and who can foster robust communication and trust among staff. This change isn’t just about leadership; it’s about rejuvenating the work habitat and enhancing our content strategies.
Time.news: Undrum Jacobsen will transition to a role focused on content production and technology. How crucial do you think this intersection is for the future of NRK?
Marius Lillelien: In today’s digital landscape, merging content and technology is essential for growth. Our audience is evolving,and we must adapt to how they consume media. Eivind’s new position will enable him to influence our notable platform shift, ensuring that we stay relevant and innovative.
Time.news: During the recent staff meeting, concerns were raised about leadership presence. What steps will NRK take to ensure more involvement from management moving forward?
Marius Lillelien: We recognize the need for more engagement from leadership. As we transition, we are committed to being more present and accessible. This includes regular check-ins, open forums for feedback, and fostering an environment where our employees feel heard and valued.
Time.news: what advice would you give to other media organizations facing similar leadership challenges?
Marius Lillelien: Communication is key. encouraging an open dialogue between all levels of staff is crucial to understand their concerns better. Additionally, being adaptable and embracing change, especially regarding technology and audience needs, will help media organizations thrive in this rapidly evolving industry.
Time.news: Thank you for your insights, Marius. This gives us a clearer picture of the current landscape at NRK and the steps forward. We look forward to seeing how these changes unfold.
as NRK Midt navigates these changes, the focus remains on improving internal communication and enhancing content delivery. This shift in leadership reflects a broader need for adaptation in regional journalism as the industry continues to evolve.