The weekly newsletter, A4, is one of the most cutting
edge media in
Denmark
. Since
the weekly was first published, on 8 April 2002, articles and analyses from A4
have, to a wide extent, set the agenda for the Danish debate on the labour
market, the welfare society and the values and trends that influence the Danish
society - now and in future.
A4 aims to disseminate quality, high-level news coverage in order to
contribute to an open and unbiased debate on labour market issues and welfare
policies. A4 has a very broad target group but we specifically address union
representatives, political and administrative decision-makers and the rest of
the media. A4 therefore greatly emphasizes the importance of keeping our
terminology and coverage clear and to the point.
A4 is published by LO - the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions - but is
edited, written and prioritized in accordance with journalistic criteria - and
not political ones. A4 is published both in print and in an
internet-version every Monday - 44 times a year. By mid-2005, the weekly had a
circulation of approx. 27,000 issues, and 8,000 individuals subscribe to the
electronic newsletter.
Comments on A4 made by key-decision makers,
”The charming cartoon character,
Garfield
, is a cat of firm
convictions. One of
Garfield
’s
strongest convictions is his scepticism when it comes to Mondays. As we all
know, political life does not only stir on Mondays. However, there is one good
reason for facing Mondays with a certain amount of scepticism. ; The LO-led
trade union movement's weekly, A4, is published on Mondays. This weekly is a
medium which – I must admit – has been amazing in terms of setting the agenda
week after week. But is this a guarantee for credibility and sound journalism?
The answer is no”.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for the Interior and Health and Vice-chairman
of the Danish Liberal Party.
”In spite of its trade union ties, the Weekly A4 has, on several occasions,
managed to give powerful perspectives to public debate issues - solely on the
basis of the well-timed journalism of skilled and innovative journalists - By
”well-timed journalism” I mean the ability to think ahead and spot stories and
points of view that might broaden, vary or shed new light on issues that are
either already lurking in the horizon or on their way to becoming hot political
issues. A4 also covers important aspects of labour market and social affairs
which are very much neglected and sparsely covered by the daily papers."
Lisbeth Knudsen, News Director of, DR, the Danish Broadcasting
Cooperation.