Kari Sørbø submitted her resignation four days after Tore Strømøy’s exit, reports Adresseavisen.
One of NRK’s most prominent radio personalities of all time,Kari Sørbø,has left her position at NRK Trøndelag.
According to adresseavisen, Sørbø, who has been employed by NRK since 1979, submitted her resignation four days after the collaboration between NRK and Tore Strømøy was terminated in August, but it has only now become publicly known that she is leaving, and why:
In a joint email to colleagues in NRK Trøndelag, she writes about a lack of trust in NRK management, the newspaper reports.
Sørbø will turn 70 in 2025, and thus would have retired with NRK pension in just a few months.
“Tired of it”
Sørbø writes about the “absence of presence” from the management side, something she believes has developed at NRK Tyholt in recent years.
Sørbø also believes that Tore Strømøy’s engagement ended without respect and compassion,and reacts to what she sees as a lack of change and follow-up after the handling of the “bamsegutt” series. According to Adressa, criticism is directed at regional editor Eivind Undrum Jacobsen.
This is how Sørbø explains why she is leaving just before her retirement date:
“I am leaving because I get sad when I see how many are struggling at work, but do their utmost to hide it. Because they love to work at NRK, they stretch the limits, but rarely protest.I have never been afraid to speak up. But I am leaving before there are too many bad memories.”
Editor Jacobsen responds to Adressa that it is not appropriate to comment on an internal email. He has so far not responded to inquiries from Journalisten about the matter.
Journalisten has been aware of the email and has attempted to speak with Sørbø.After Adressa’s publication, she declines to elaborate to Journalisten about the content of the email.
Inviting to a meeting
NJ leader for NRK Trøndelag, Hanne Bernhardsen Nordvåg, tells Adressa that there are “several who have called for a more present and visible leader.” The unions at NRK Tyholt are also said to have invited to a joint meeting to give employees a chance to speak out.
Undrum Jacobsen responds in a text message to the newspaper:
– we have good dialog with employees and unions in our daily operations and in our cooperation committees. There are approximately 300 employees in the Region Midt (NRK Trøndelag, NRK Innlandet and NRK Møre og Romsdal). It is leaders such as editors, department heads, and subject area leaders who are and should be closest to the employees in their daily work.
For your information: Journalisten is owned and published by the Norwegian Union of Journalists.
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Tore Strømøy finished at NRK
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How does the issue of trust in management affect staff retention in media organizations like NRK?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Broadcast Media Expert on the NRK Resignations
Time.news Editor: Today, we are joined by Dr. Lars hansen,a broadcast media expert and analyst,to discuss the recent resignation of beloved NRK radio personality Kari Sørbø. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hansen.
Dr. Lars Hansen: thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such a significant growth in Norwegian media.
Editor: Kari Sørbø has been a staple at NRK as 1979, so her resignation after so many years is certainly newsworthy. In your opinion, what kind of impact does her departure have on Norwegian broadcasting, notably at NRK?
dr. Hansen: Kari Sørbø’s departure marks the end of an era for NRK. She’s not just a radio personality; she’s a cultural icon in Norway. Her resignation, particularly after such a long tenure, may signify a larger shift in the workplace culture at NRK, which could lead to an identity crisis for their programming.
Editor: It’s engaging you mention a shift in workplace culture. According to reports, Sørbø’s resignation was prompted by a “lack of trust” in NRK management, especially following the termination of a collaboration with Tore Strømøy.How significant do you think this issue of trust is in media organizations?
Dr.Hansen: Trust is basic in any organization, but especially in media where clarity and integrity are paramount. Sørbø’s resignation highlights potential underlying issues in NRK’s management. If long-standing talents like her and Strømøy feel compelled to leave, it suggests a deeper dissatisfaction among the staff that could affect morale and, by extension, the quality of programming.
Editor: Speaking of Tore Strømøy, his exit alongside Sørbø raises questions about leadership decisions at NRK. Do you think there’s a particular direction management is taking that could lead to more departures?
Dr. Hansen: Well, it’s frequently enough indicative of a management strategy that perhaps prioritizes new directions or financial considerations over established talents.If key figures feel sidelined or undervalued,it’s reasonable to expect further resignations. NRK will need to assess how it communicates with its employees and the rationale behind its strategic choices to prevent an exodus of seasoned talent.
Editor: as Sørbø approaches retirement age, do you see her decision as a response to broader generational changes in the media industry?
Dr. Hansen: Absolutely. We are witnessing a generational shift across many industries, including media, with younger professionals demanding different workplace dynamics. Sørbø’s resignation could reflect the frustrations that come from a changing industry landscape, where veteran voices might struggle to adapt to new management styles, technology, or audience expectations.
Editor: With Sørbø’s departure, what challenges do you think NRK will face moving forward in terms of audience trust and content quality?
Dr. Hansen: Maintaining audience trust and content quality will be crucial challenges for NRK.The public relies on media organizations like NRK for both information and cultural representation. If the audience perceives that their cherished voices are being replaced or neglected, there may be a backlash. NRK must navigate these changes thoughtfully, ensuring that new talent aligns with their audience’s expectations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hansen, for shedding light on this significant issue in the Norwegian media landscape. It will be intriguing to see how NRK responds and what changes unfold in the coming months.
Dr. hansen: thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal time for NRK, and I look forward to seeing how they evolve.