In the span of just a decade, the digital age has grown in breadth and depth. We’ve seen the steady rise of platform economies and Big Tech. Streaming has replaced traditional forms of entertainment, rendering DVD collections to the realm of nostalgic relics. With e-commerce and direct-to-consumer trends, brick-and-mortar stores are increasingly replaced by virtual storefronts. Meanwhile, 5G technology promises speeds and connectivity that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence and machine learning no longer belong to the world of science fiction but influence our daily lives. And of course, the pandemic that sent shockwaves across the world also revolutionised remote work and digital collaboration.

Yet, amid the dizzying pace of technological and societal change, a ­singular truth remains: the undeniable need for high-quality and trusted actors in ­society. This axiom holds particularly true in the world of news media, journalism, online marketplaces, and digital services – the very core of Schibsted’s operations.

At a time when anyone, in principle, can be both a content producer and a content distributor, the integrity and credibility of news sources become paramount. The rise of ‘fake news’ claims, deepfakes, and misinformation on social platforms underscore the need for authentic journalism. While innovations have allowed us to disseminate news faster and wider, it’s the credibility of the source that determines its impact. The fact that trusted and edited news media pay attention and report, enables us to trust our governments, institutions and societies at large.

Similarly, in the vast sea of online marketplaces and services, trust is our anchor. As consumers in the digital age, we face an abundance of choices. You can order just about anything in a few clicks. But this abundance of choice often leads to the ­paralysis of choice. Here, trusted brands and marketplaces shine because they allow consumers to trust transactions and trust complete strangers who are looking to buy their old car or sofa.

Why is this important? Because the high level of societal trust in the Nordics is one of the main reasons for our societies’ relative ­success in the world. Societies with high levels of trust and transparency are better equipped to deal with all the other major challenges facing us today. However, trust doesn’t sustain itself, and that’s where Schibsted can truly make an impact. We are committed to working for societies based on trust and transparency and we embrace the opportunities of technological change – always.

This serves as a good reminder that while our world keeps evolving, we remain true to our purpose. We embrace the new, the novel, and the next big thing, but we do so with a commitment to quality and trust.