Bonnier News: Pioneering Free Speech through Innovative Technology
Bonnier News stands as the largest media group in the Nordics, reaching millions with its commitment to free and independent journalism. For over 200 years, the mission to bolster free speech has been at the heart of the company's ethos. To ensure that quality journalism is accessible, Bonnier News invests heavily in cutting-edge technical solutions, which drew Mattias Gustin, a team leader and product owner, to join the organization two years ago.
"Developing cool products and services that many use daily is super exciting," says Gustin, underscoring his passion for leveraging technology to enhance journalism and strengthen democracy. At Bonnier News, the approach goes beyond mere product development; there’s a deeper mission behind every initiative.
Gustin's team is distributed across the country, showcasing Bonnier News's innovative approach to collaboration. Although in-person meetings are infrequent, the team excels in communicating effectively, bolstered by a commitment to fostering personal connections when they do meet. "We maintain that friendship," he explains, revealing how the team engages in digital activities like games and casual discussions to maintain camaraderie.
The flexibility of remote work has transformed the traditional office dynamic at Bonnier News. While Gustin admits the joy of face-to-face interaction, he finds that working digitally allows him the same productivity as in the office. "Digital meetings are fantastic; we would struggle to run the company without them," he adds, highlighting the importance of seamless communication.
Bonnier News stands at the forefront of technological advancement, particularly in cloud services and meeting options. Gustin notes that their communication practices rely heavily on Slack, leading to an inbox that rarely overflows: "We’re not trapped in outdated systems but are always renewing ourselves."
A unique aspect of their tech work is the use of mob programming, where teams collaborate in front of a shared screen to brainstorm solutions. Gustin emphasizes that collective problem-solving allows team members to learn from each other's thought processes directly. "More brains are better than one," he affirms.
The tech function is integral to Bonnier News's operations, providing editorial teams with the tools to deliver news efficiently to their audience. Recently, Bonnier News launched a subscription package called 'Allt,' which grants subscribers access to various content sources, including popular publications such as Expressen and Dagens Nyheter. Gustin's team played a pivotal role in enhancing the user experience, an endeavor he regards as one of his most satisfying accomplishments.
"Putting together that user experience and understanding what content is available has been very fun. It must be fast and easy to change titles and see what content exists, providing real added value to users of the 'Allt' package," he explains. The initiative to make news easily accessible aligns closely with Bonnier News's vision of strengthening free speech.
Driven by a mission to nurture a democratic, sustainable, and inclusive society, Bonnier News views its role as a crucial facilitator for both citizens and organizations. Their journalists actively report, investigate, and narrate stories that shape our times while fostering business through innovative meetings, products, and services.
As Bonnier News continues to evolve with technology at its helm, it remains steadfast in its commitment to journalism that empowers people and sustains democracy. Those interested in learning more about life within Bonnier News can listen to the 'Dream Job' podcast, which features insights from various colleagues about their experiences and roles in the media landscape.
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