Expressen Moves Magazine Editing Operations to Vietnam Amid Industry Debate

Swedish media group Bonnier News has confirmed that the editing process for 21 of Expressen's magazines will be relocated to Vietnam, a decision that has sparked significant discussion within the media sector. The Danish company Inbold, with operations in Ho Chi Minh City, has been selected to manage the editing tasks.

The initiative has attracted criticism from several quarters, notably from international press freedom advocates. Concerns have been raised regarding Vietnam's restrictive press environment and the potential implications for journalistic standards and editorial independence. The organization Reporters Without Borders has highlighted the discrepancy between Bonnier News' advocacy for press freedom and its choice to move production to a country known for its limitations on media freedoms.

Within Expressen and the broader Bonnier News organization, the restructuring is expected to impact approximately 40 editorial roles, including 15 positions at Expressen. The changes follow a period of internal negotiations and consultations with staff representatives. The Expressen journalists' club has expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency during the decision-making process, suggesting that employee input was not sufficiently considered.

An independent consultant's review, commissioned by employee representatives, also pointed to insufficient openness throughout the process. Concerns have been raised about the projected cost savings of around 20 million SEK, with some staff representatives warning that the anticipated financial benefits may be overly optimistic and might not fully account for risks such as reduced editorial quality or challenges in collaborating with overseas colleagues.

Additionally, there are apprehensions that Bonnier News' reputation for upholding democratic values and freedom of expression could be affected by transferring part of its editorial operations to a country where such freedoms are limited. Some stakeholders believe this could impact trust among both staff and external partners, including readers and advertisers who value the company's commitment to media ethics and transparency.

Expressen's management maintains that the outsourcing plan aligns with sound business practices and that all procedural requirements have been observed. Company leaders assert that the move is motivated by the need to ensure long-term operational efficiency and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving media landscape. They acknowledge the concerns raised but emphasize that no new factors emerged during negotiations to warrant a change in direction.

The transition marks a significant development in the Swedish media industry, reflecting broader trends of global outsourcing and the complex considerations involved when balancing cost, quality, and core values in editorial production.