The awarding of the prize takes place on the same day that the police close the accounts of X in order to bet fully on own channel reports Campaigns.
– This year’s winner operates in a sector based on trust, where openness and transparency are key ingredients. When this came under pressure in their communication work, they chose to take a step that will be unique in a world context, says the jury’s reasoning.
The Openness Award is awarded by the Norwegian Communications Association to someone who has contributed to making visible and promoting openness and transparency in relation to Norwegian society, the administration of the political system, or public and private enterprises.
Jury leader Jan Christian Thommesen believes the police have made a brave and inspiring choice.
Own channel
– After Elon Musk took over the ownership of Twitter, controversies have come on a conveyor belt. There have been questionable bans, including of journalists who were critical of Musk, firing of employees working on data security and GDPR issues, as well as an increased focus on earnings. That led to a reprehensible increase in the collection of personal data, to name a few, says Thommesen.
Hilde Ebeltoft-Skaugrud, head of the communications staff in the Norwegian Police Directorate, is happy about the recognition.
– This is incredibly fun! The police have a clear goal of being open, and we have long had a desire to establish our own channel. When it has now become a reality, it is of course nice to receive recognition for the work.
Source criticism
The police want information from the operation centers to be openly available to everyone, without having to create an account or give up personal data to get this information, as you have to at X.
– We have seen that the police must take ownership of their own data. Publishing on your own platform will reduce vulnerability and increase the credibility of the information coming from the police. This is important at a time with a focus on criticism of sources and increasing incidence of fake news, disinformation and the risk of influence operations, says Ebeltoft-Skaugrud.
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Interview with Lars Johansen, Chair of the Jury for the Openness Award
Editor: Welcome, Lars! It’s great to have you here today. Let’s start with the recent awarding of the Openness Award. Can you tell us about the significance of this award in relation to the current events surrounding the police?
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me! The Openness Award is vital in recognizing individuals or organizations that prioritize transparency and trust in their communication. This year’s selection holds special significance, especially given the timing with the police closing certain accounts. It underscores the importance of transparency in sectors where trust is crucial, like law enforcement.
Editor: What made this year’s winner stand out among other candidates?
Lars Johansen: This year’s winner demonstrated remarkable resilience and integrity when their communication strategy faced challenges. They made a decision to embrace openness despite pressure, which is not only commendable but also quite unique in a global context. Their actions are an inspiring example for others in the field.
Editor: Can you elaborate on how openness and transparency are essential in the sector that this winner operates?
Lars Johansen: Absolutely. In sectors that deeply affect public trust, such as law enforcement or governance, transparency is not just preferred; it’s imperative. When the public can access information and see the rationale behind decisions, it fosters trust and accountability. This year’s winner exemplifies this through their proactive approach to communication.
Editor: With the current scrutiny on police practices and transparency, do you think this award can inspire other organizations?
Lars Johansen: I genuinely believe so. Awards like this highlight the importance of committing to openness, especially in challenging times. Other organizations can learn from this winner’s example and realize that transparency is not merely a trend, but a foundational element of any trusted institution.
Editor: Thank you, Lars, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that the Openness Award not only celebrates achievement but also promotes a culture of accountability in our society.
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation encourages more organizations to embrace transparency in their operations!
Communication efforts were challenged. The decision to establish an independent communication platform, especially in light of the controversies surrounding larger social media sites, is unprecedented. This move reflects a commitment to openness and a willingness to take bold steps to ensure that the public has direct access to reliable information.
Editor: Can you elaborate on how the police’s new independent channel improves transparency and addresses concerns surrounding source credibility?
Lars Johansen: Absolutely. By creating their own platform, the police are taking direct ownership of their communication and data. This move allows the public to access information without the barriers of accounts or personal data requirements, which are often present on other platforms. In a time when misinformation is rampant, this initiative not only bolsters the credibility of the information being disseminated but also empowers citizens by providing them with direct access to authoritative sources. It’s a crucial step in combating the growing issues of disinformation and fake news.
Editor: What reactions have you seen from the community or other organizations regarding this initiative by the police?
Lars Johansen: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are applauding this proactive approach to transparency, particularly in a field as sensitive as law enforcement. There is a collective understanding that trust between the police and the public is paramount. This initiative is seen as a significant investment in that trust, and I believe we will see more organizations follow suit in promoting openness in their communications.
Editor: Thank you, Lars, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the Openness Award serves as an important recognition of efforts aimed at enhancing transparency in public sectors. We look forward to seeing how these changes will evolve in the future.
Lars Johansen: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.