An Award for My Passion: My Commitment to Authentic Storytelling
On Integrity, the Influence of Technology, and My Vision for the Future.
I was honored to receive this year's Swedish Journalism Award at the recent Book & Media Fair, where I also presented my new book about Orania. The award was given to me, in part, in recognition of my integrity as a journalist. Through my documentaries, books, and other media productions, I shed light on and initiate discussions around topics that are often seen as controversial. Such subjects often receive inadequate coverage.
In my acceptance speech, I highlighted a significant reason behind this phenomenon. All too often, we see journalists, writers, and opinion-makers catering to a narrow circle of critics. They tailor their message to appease a select few, hoping to avoid marginalization. This is what Juholt, the Swedish ambassador in South Africa, referred to as "klägget"—a term denoting groupthink or the prevailing mindset among the elite within the establishment to a 'gloo' or 'gunk' of people. If you challenge this "gunk," you risk being ostracized, ignored, and silenced, regardless of the quality of your work.
However, technological advancements have somewhat changed the game. Just as the printing press revolutionized information sharing, the internet and social media, over 500 years later, have redefined how we disseminate and receive information. This shift allows us to break free from the constraints of "gunk" and reach a broader audience. We, as independent journalists, gain attention not just because we highlight what's relevant, but primarily because we pursue the truth.
If you write for a circle of critics i.e. the "gunk"—truth often gets overshadowed. Many writers seek acceptance and praise from the establishment, having long abandoned the power scrutiny that the journalistic community once took great pride in. Now, they often act as an amplifier for those in power, pushing the globalist agenda and defending, even moralizing, power corruption and prevailing policies.
For me, the situation is different. I don't write for today's circle of critics. I write for future generations, for those not yet here. I consider the world we will hand over to them when I write or produce my documentaries. This perspective allows me to remain independent from the prevailing zeitgeist that stifles free thought and publication.
Even though Big Tech like Google, YouTube, and Facebook censor journalism that doesn't align with their narratives, we still have a significant impact. It wasn't long ago that it was unthinkable for an independent journalist to garner over 1.5 million views on a mini-documentary, as I did with my feature on the farmer murder monument in South Africa.
We are making a difference, and this journalism award is proof of that. It certainly gave me a moral boost.
What makes my journalistic work possible, writing with future generations as the ultimate judges, is that my work is freely accessible to all. It's funded by you, my readers and followers. Thanks to the many of you who contribute, even if it's just a small amount, I don't have to write for specific major interests that could influence my livelihood.
In these times, when technology is reshaping how we receive information, it's crucial to uphold truthful journalism. There are always challenges, but with the support from you, my readers, I can continue my work. The Swedish Journalism Award I received is a wonderful acknowledgment, but it's also a reminder of why I do what I do. I write for you and for those who will come after us, hoping to make a meaningful contribution.
Best regards,
Jonas Nilsson
PS: The book launch for 'Orania: Building a Nation' was an absolute success. Don't forget to pick up a copy!