Varden
TypeDaily newspaper
(two days a week 1874–88)
(three days a week 1888–95)
FormatTabloid (2001–present)
EditorTom Erik Thorsen
Founded1874
Political alignmentLiberal (1874–1953)
Conservative (1953–?)
Independent
HeadquartersSkien, Norway
Circulation16,662[1]
Websitewww.varden.no

Varden (Norwegian: Varden, lit. 'The Cairn') is a local newspaper published in Skien, Norway.

History and profile

The newspaper was first established with a test issue on 17 December 1874, with Johan Christian Tandberg Castberg as its first editor-in-chief.[2] It has been published daily since 1895, and in the tabloid format since 2001[2] As of February 2024, the newspaper's editor-in-chief is Tom Erik Thorsen.

Originally, Varden was owned by individual persons. Harald Kristoffersen, its editor-in-chief and owner from 1901, created the limited company AS Varden in 1918. The corporation Orkla Media, later renamed Edda Media, bought the newspaper in 1994,[2] and still has a 100% ownership. Through the publishing company Varden AS, Varden itself has a 100% ownership of the smaller newspapers Kanalen (published in Nome), Kragerø Blad Vestmar (Kragerø) and Telen (Notodden).[3] Varden itself has local offices both in Kragerø and Notodden, as well as in Bamble, Porsgrunn, Kviteseid, Bø and Rjukan.[4]

The leading newspaper in Telemark county for many years, Varden was surpassed by Telemark Arbeiderblad in 1974, only to regain the number one spot in 1988.[2] Telemark Arbeiderblad was later renamed Telemarksavisa.[5]

At the time Varden was established, newspapers in Norway had close ties with political parties. Varden was special in that it changed political allegiance from Liberal to Conservative, in 1953.[2] The ties between political parties and newspapers no longer exist. Today, the newspaper classifies itself as an "independent" newspaper which works to promote a liberal and democratic society with respect for individual rights, social fairness and free enterprise.[2]

As of 2023, Varden had a circulation of 16,662.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b MBL. "Medietall.no". medietall.no. Retrieved 2024-02-10.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Brief history of Varden". Varden (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 10 March 2008. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
  3. ^ "Varden" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Media Registry. Archived from the original on March 26, 2004. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
  4. ^ "Varden – avis". Store norske leksikon (in Norwegian). Oslo: Kunnskapsforlaget. 2007. Archived from the original on 20 December 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
  5. ^ "Telemarksavisa" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Media Registry. Archived from the original on March 26, 2004. Retrieved 17 October 2008.
Categories