Fréttablaðið: Iceland's Chronicle of News
An exploration of the influential Icelandic newspaper, its rise, its operations, and its eventual cessation.
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What Was Fréttablaðið?
A Free Icelandic Newspaper
Fréttablaðið (English: The Newspaper) was a prominent Icelandic newspaper. It operated as a free publication, distributed five days a week. At its zenith, it held the distinction of being the most widely read newspaper in Iceland, underscoring its significant reach and influence within the nation's media landscape.
National Reach
As an Icelandic publication, Fréttablaðið catered specifically to the news and information needs of the Icelandic populace. Its distribution across the country ensured broad accessibility, making it a central source of daily information for a significant portion of the population.
Publication Profile
Operational Details
Fréttablaðið was established in 2001 and was primarily owned by the media group 365. Its publication frequency evolved over time, initially published six days a week, then shifting to daily publication, and later reverting to six and then five days a week. The newspaper was entirely funded by advertising revenue.
Headquarters
The newspaper's central operations were based in Reykjavik, Iceland, specifically at Kalkofnsvegur 2, 101 Reykjavik. This location served as the hub for its editorial and administrative functions.
History and Evolution
Founding and Growth
Fréttablaðið commenced publication in 2001, quickly establishing itself as a major player in the Icelandic media scene. Initially owned by 365, it underwent several changes in publication frequency, moving from six days a week to daily, and then back to six, and eventually five days a week by 2020. Its business model relied entirely on advertising.
Ownership Changes
In 2017, 365 Miðlar sold most of its assets, including the website visir.is, to Fjarskipti ehf (parent company of Vodafone Iceland). However, 365 retained Fréttablaðið and Glamour magazine, launching a new website, frettabladid.is. Later, in October 2019, Helgi Magnússon and other investors acquired 365 Miðlar's shares in Torg ehf., the subsidiary that owned Fréttablaðið. This led to a change in editorship, with Jón Þórisson taking over.
Ownership and Leadership
Key Entities and Individuals
Fréttablaðið was owned by Torg ehf., a subsidiary of 365 Miðlar. Following significant asset sales in 2017, Torg ehf. continued to operate Fréttablaðið. In October 2019, Helgi Magnússon became a major shareholder in Torg ehf. The publication was led by Publisher Jón Þórisson and Editor Sigmundur Ernir Rúnarsson.
Political Alignment
Shifting Perspectives
Fréttablaðið was described as having a centre-left political alignment, often siding with the Social Democratic Alliance and favouring Iceland's potential membership in the European Union. However, its editorial landscape showed complexity, with some editors aligning with the conservative Independence Party. Notably, former editor-in-chief and columnist Þorsteinn Pálsson was a former leader and Prime Minister from the Independence Party.
Circulation and Readership
Key Figures
Fréttablaðið achieved substantial readership. In the 2001–2002 period, its circulation was around 70,000. By 2019, this figure had increased to 80,000. A Gallup survey indicated that 40% of Icelandic respondents read the newspaper, highlighting its dominant position in the market.
Online Presence
As of 2020, frettabladid.is was ranked as the sixth most popular website in Iceland, demonstrating its strong digital footprint alongside its print operations.
Official Website
Accessing Content
The official website for Fréttablaðið was frettabladid.is. This platform served as a digital extension of the newspaper, providing news and content to its online audience.
Notable Events & Controversies
Accusations of Fake News
In October 2020, Fréttablaðið faced accusations of publishing fake news from the United States embassy in Iceland. The report alleged that embassy employees were asked to work despite one contracting COVID-19. The embassy condemned the report as irresponsible journalism.
Government Subsidies
In 2021, Torg ehf., the owner of Fréttablaðið, received significant financial support from the Icelandic government. The company was allocated 81 million Icelandic krónas (approximately US$637,443) in subsidies designated for Icelandic media outlets.
Cessation of Publication
The End of an Era
On March 31, 2023, Fréttablaðið ceased publication. This decision led to the layoff of all its staff, marking the definitive end of the newspaper's operations after more than two decades in print and online.
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Important Notice
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