New programming chiefs at SVT

SVT has appointed Jan Helin and Lena Glaser programme directors, handing them control of the Swedish pubcaster’s SEK3 billion (US$360 million) programming budget.

Helin (pictured) will join from national newspaper Aftonbladet, where he was editor and CEO.

At SVT he will oversee news and current affairs, sport, factual, and kids programming. He starts in his new role on April 18 next year.

“I cannot think of a more exciting job than to be program director of SVT,”said Helin. “For me it’s about being able to work with a wide range of content in areas I’m passionate about. I also feel that I can now hand over the Aftonbladet in safe hands.”

Lena Glaser (pictured, right) has been the head of SVT Web and SVT’s interactive department, as well as an acting programming director.

From next February she will take control of the entertainment, culture, drama and religious TV departments.

She said: “It will be great fun to work with and continue to expand our range of content with skillful programme makers, both within SVT and with partners in the industry.

“Our big challenge is to continue to give the audience first-class programmes and make them available on the devices and screens where they want to watch TV.”

The appointments come after Martin Österdahl exited his role as SVT programming director at the end of last year after a short spell in the role. Österdahl replaced Annie Wegelius in the role on 2013. Safa Safiyari has been overseeing entertainment, drama, culture and factual in the interim, and Robert Olsson news and current affairs.

The new appointments were made by SVT president Hanna Stjärne (pictured, centre). She said: “I am pleased to have recruited two strong visionaries as programme directors. January Helin and Lena Glaser are pioneers when it comes to media development and have the knowledge and passion that is needed to develop the future of television.”