WAN-IFRA has named Lena K Samuelsson as Executive Strategic Advisor as the global press body sharpens its focus on media leadership amid rapid technological change, shifting platform power, and rising political pressure on newsrooms.
According to WAN-IFRA, Samuelsson will provide strategic insight and serve as a WAN-IFRA expert on media leadership, offering guidance across the organisation’s programmes and initiatives as it seeks to help publishers “collaborate, innovate and defend the essential role of independent journalism in society.”
]Samuelsson brings decades of senior editorial and executive experience from Schibsted, one of Europe’s largest media groups. Her career includes a decade in the newsroom at Aftonbladet, 12 years as Editor‑in‑Chief of Svenska Dagbladet beginning in 2001, and a role on Schibsted’s Group Management Team from 2013 as Executive Vice President for Communications, Brand and CSR.
In 2018 she returned to Aftonbladet as publisher and Editor‑in‑Chief and joined the leadership of Schibsted’s media division.
Stig Ørskov, who took the role of WAN-IFRA’s chief executive earlier this month, described Samuelsson’s appointment as a strategic reinforcement. “Lena brings strong strategic insight and deep experience in media leadership and organisational transformation,” he said.
The organisation added that strengthening internal strategic advisory capacity and expertise in media leadership is central to its work supporting independent and sustainable journalism across 120 countries.
“I’m honoured to support WAN-IFRA at a moment when the future of journalism and the health of our democracies are closely linked,” said Samuelsson.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
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warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article reports on a recent appointment announced on January 21, 2026, with no prior mentions found in the search results, indicating freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Lena K Samuelsson and Stig Ørskov are present. No earlier instances of these quotes were found, suggesting originality.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The article originates from WAN-IFRA’s official website, a reputable source within the media industry, enhancing credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The appointment of Lena K Samuelsson aligns with WAN-IFRA’s strategic focus on media leadership amid technological and political challenges, making the claim plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article is a recent, original news report from a reputable source, detailing Lena K Samuelsson’s appointment as Executive Strategic Advisor at WAN-IFRA. All checks indicate high credibility and accuracy.
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