In this episode, Ranya Barakat speaks with Emma Löfgren, editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe.
Emma shares how journalism can help people find their place in new countries, discussing immigration challenges in Europe, media representation, and the future of news.
With insights from her decade at The Local and personal experiences living abroad, Emma offers a fresh perspective on cross-cultural communication and inclusive journalism.
BULLET POINTS OF KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS
- Introduction to Emma Löfgren [01:30] Emma introduces herself as a digital news editor who believes journalism helps people find their place in the world. As editor of The Local Sweden and deputy managing editor of The Local Europe, she oversees English-language news for foreign professionals across nine European countries.
- The changing immigrant experience [04:12] Europe has become increasingly unwelcoming over the past decade, with tightening immigration rules and hostile rhetoric. Emma notes many immigrants feel bitter toward Sweden after investing years only to feel unwelcome as policies shift from "come to Sweden" to "please leave."
- Media representation challenges [07:35] Domestic media often lumps all immigrants together as either threats or objects of pity. Emma highlights how mainstream outlets overlook certain immigrant groups (like Indian tech workers) and treat immigrants as subjects to write about rather than audiences to write for. When surveyed by The Local, immigrants consistently say "thank you for asking" about their perspectives.
- The Örebro shooting response [17:20] Emma explains writing an opinion piece challenging Swedish lawmakers after the Örebro shooting, where most victims were immigrants. She discusses the Prime Minister's speech acknowledging immigrant vulnerability while pointing out his previous rhetoric blamed social problems on immigrants.
- Moving beyond stereotypes [24:05] "I'm Swedish, but I'm also a woman, a mother, a journalist," Emma notes, explaining how we all belong to multiple groups beyond nationality. The conversation explores how focusing on commonalities rather than differences could reduce polarization and create greater unity.
- Curiosity as a bridge-builder [27:50] The most powerful tool for harmony is genuine curiosity about each other. Emma emphasizes asking questions and approaching differences with openness rather than assumptions.
- Living abroad in Scotland [31:40] Emma shares her experience moving to Scotland for university and working at a community newspaper in the Western Isles. She reflects that living abroad made her "highs higher and lows lower" compared to life in Sweden.
- Navigating cultural differences [36:30] From butter knife etiquette to eye contact norms, cultural misunderstandings are inevitable but resolvable through open communication. Emma shares examples of how simple conversations can bridge seemingly significant cultural divides.
- Reimagining journalism [44:20] Today's journalism needs less negative news without context and more listening to audiences. Emma advocates for a transparent approach that brings readers along on a journey of discovery rather than pretending journalists have all the answers.
- Identity beyond borders [53:40] The conversation concludes with reflections on belonging. Ranya shares that "home is inside of me and not a place," while Emma describes how people can put down new roots anywhere, like the Iraqi immigrant who became an expert on his Swedish village's history.
RESOURCES & LINKS
CALL TO ACTION
- Subscribe to The Disruptive Leader Podcast for more conversations on leadership and cross-cultural perspectives
- Share this episode with colleagues navigating multicultural environments
- Connect with Ranya Barakat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyabarakat/