SVT Executive Moves to LO

He is currently Program Director at SVT and has previously served as Head of Programming for Local News and News in Minority Languages. Now, Michael Österlund is leaving the public broadcaster to join LO Mediehus.

LO Mediehus AB is a media company owned by LO and six trade unions. The company publishes the newspaper Arbetet and six union member magazines, including Elektrikern, Kommunalarbetaren, and Sekotidningen.

Österlund has worked at SVT for 28 years. Previously, he was also news editor at Ekot in Stockholm and Deputy Program Director at Sveriges Radio.

“It has been exactly 28 years since I set foot in a public service newsroom for the first time. I have loved every second and am very grateful for the development opportunities offered within SVT. I also want to extend a big thank you to all the skilled and dedicated colleagues at SVT with whom I have had the privilege to collaborate in recent years. Your knowledge and commitment are world-class,” says Michael Österlund.

According to Österlund, he is impressed by the strong journalistic work carried out at LO Mediehus.

SVT CEO Ann Lagercrantz. Image: Facsimile SVT.

“Michael Österlund is one of the most skilled change leaders I have worked with. He is deeply rooted in journalism and has made lasting impressions in several roles at SVT. He created security and direction as a local head of programming and contributed to significant progress both in improving SVT’s preparedness work and, most recently, in modernizing the management of programming work. He was also crucial in the strategic priorities made when program costs were reduced. Now that Michael has chosen to leave, I wish him all the best and congratulate LO Mediehus on the recruitment,” says SVT CEO Anne Lagercrantz.

After his departure, Eva Beckman will be solely responsible for SVT’s programming offerings.

“I am very happy and proud that we have succeeded in recruiting Michael to LO Mediehus. Michael has extensive experience both as a journalist and as a leader,” says Board Chair Elisabeth Brandt Ygeman.

Michael Österlund will take up his post as CEO of LO Mediehus in November. He succeeds Unn Edberg, who has held the position since 2024.