High North News Celebrates Milestone: Read in Over 100 Countries

When experienced journalist Arne O. Holm founded High North News in 2014, the vision was clear: to create a newspaper that would view the world from the north and convey knowledge about the High North to an international audience.

On its tenth anniversary in 2024, the small editorial team in Bodø can confirm that they have exceeded all expectations.

– We started with the idea of covering the High North in eight Arctic states, seen from the north. It was an ambitious plan, but we who live in the Arctic knew little about each other, and others knew even less about us, Holm says.

With just a few employees and limited project funds, High North News began its journey. Today, the newspaper has grown to 5.8 full-time equivalents, including a German/American freelancer.

– The most fascinating thing is that two-thirds of our readers are now English-speaking.

**FOUNDER**: High North News was founded by Arne O. Holm ten years ago. *Photo by Markus J. Thonhaugen*.

«Local newspaper» for the Arctic

The newspaper's international reach is reflected in its contacts and sources. Inquiries from international actors and top executives are not uncommon.

Despite its growing global reach, the newspaper maintains its «local» focus.

– I firmly believe we can be a «local newspaper» for the Arctic. For eight Arctic countries, says current editor-in-chief Trine Jonassen.

This unique perspective has made the newspaper a valuable source for both local residents and international actors.

From fishing quotas in Lofoten to geopolitical tensions in the Barents Sea, the newspaper covers a wide range of topics shaping the future of Arctic regions.

– When researchers cite us in their reports on the Arctic, we know we're making a difference. It motivates us to dig deeper into our stories, they both agree.

**LEADS THE NEWSPAPER**: Trine Jonassen is the editor-in-chief of High North News. *Photo by Markus J. Thonhaugen*.

Challenges and Innovation

The journey hasn't been without challenges.

The pandemic and the subsequent war in Ukraine have complicated coverage of Russian affairs. But the editorial team has shown remarkable adaptability.

– No idea is too crazy, says Jonassen, referring to how the newspaper has found creative solutions to continue its coverage under difficult circumstances.

Holm recounts how they thought creatively during the pandemic, including using a motorhome to continue reporting.

Later, when the border to Russia remained closed due to the war, he chose to drive along the Russian border during a period when Finland was about to become a NATO member.

– When we couldn't cross the border, we decided to follow it. This gave us a unique insight into how geopolitical changes affect the daily lives of people in border areas.

**EDITORIAL MEETING**: Hilde-Gunn Bye (right) is one of the newspaper's journalists. High North News counts a total of 5.8 full-time equivalents in 2024. *Photo: Markus J. Thonhaugen*.

Specialization and Growth

High North News' growth is also reflected in the editorial team's expansion and specialization.

In April this year, the newspaper took a new step by creating a dedicated research journalist position, filled by Birgitte Annie Molid Martinussen, who is also an English translator for the newspaper.

– It's been incredibly exciting, says Martinussen about her new role.

**FOCUSES ON CLIMATE:** Birgitte Annie Molid Martinussen is in a new role as a research journalist. *Photo: Markus J. Thonhaugen.*

– I didn't have much knowledge about the High North before I came here. I feel very lucky to be able to work with language in this way.

With an 80 percent position, or about four days a week, Martinussen currently focuses mainly on climate research from and about the Arctic.

I try to fill in areas perhaps the others don't write about as much

Martinussen's work underscores the newspaper's commitment to bringing research-based knowledge to a broader audience, both in Norwegian and English.

Future Prospects

With ten years of experience, High North News now looks to the future.

The newspaper has been free and openly accessible to all, which it will continue to be.

**TEAMWORK:** From left, Birgitte Annie Molid Martinussen, Arne O. Holm, Trine Jonassen, and Hilde-Gunn Bye. *Photo: Markus J. Thonhaugen.*

Jonassen emphasizes the importance of continuing to build knowledge and increase the number of readers while sticking to their fundamental mission.

– We continue to spread the message about the High North and the Arctic, about those who live here, and why the Arctic is so important to the world, she says.

Holm, who has now stepped down as editor-in-chief but remains active in the newspaper as an editor and commentator, reflects on the journey:

High North News is more than a newspaper. We also participate in and organize national and international debates, seminars, and cultural meetings, he notes.

– It's fascinating to see how a small editorial team can pivot and do things because everyone helps everyone. The success lies primarily in having managed, time and time again over ten years, to find the very best journalists.