Back in 2006, when we were still trying to understand the online space a little bit better, there were very few big media companies or “dinosaurs” that really could come to terms with the fact that their core business model probably is going to have to change, and that the change will sweep them right from beneath the feet. They could either jump in or sink, and Schibsted with a CEO who boasted of a fantastic sense of vision rightfully decided to jump in, take the mantle and steer the ship to safety

Schibsted has grown to become one of Scandinavia’s largest media houses with diverse footprints in the landscape, operating in 22 countries, and having some of the leading sites in Scandinavia like Aftonbladet.se (the most read online newspaper), blocket.se amongst other very interesting and successful verticals.

View Schibsted’s profile here

Kjell Aamodt, who has led Schibsted for 20 years decided to step down mid this year. Rolv Erik Ryssdal is the new sergeant at the helm. You can catch Rolv Erik Ryssdal at SIME Stockholm this year, he is one of the speakers at the conference.

View the speaker listing here

View the agenda here

Below, is a video dug out from 2006, which I think is still relevant, as many media companies are still questioning the viability of the online model and holding the traditional channels too near and dear to their heart. Probably, the alarm bells are not loud enough, or may be, a Lehman brother kind of shock is needed for people to realize where the money is being spent. At the end of the day, its a simple mantra of “Follow your customers”, and when the customers are going online, what’s stopping them, they only know

SIME 06 - Kjell Aamodt from SIME on Vimeo.