Under prevailing circumstances with the corona pandemic, everyone in Sweden is required to do what they can to protect people at risk. But for this to work, everyone must have access to the information, according to Mahmoud Agha, editor-in-chief of the multilingual media house Alkompis.

- I think authorities need to produce more information in different languages, but we understand that they cannot prioritize it right now. That's why we exist - it's our responsibility.

Demand is high

Alkompis has received many questions from its audience, which is difficult to understand the directives of the authorities. Questions about school closures and why not close the country's borders are common.

The pressure on the site has been so high that when they have directly sent the government and the Public Health Authority's press meetings with translation, the servers have crashed. Therefore, they have now had to increase the capacity to handle all traffic.

In a short period of time, Alkompis has seen a doubling in viewership figures and now reaches almost half a million people a week, both in Sweden and in neighboring countries.

Leads to increased integration

Information about the virus and the government's measures to deal with the consequences is important for everyone, says employees at Alkompis. Especially now when the anxiety and uncertainty is great.

In addition to more people being able to keep up with the development of the situation, Mahmoud Agha believes that news in his mother tongue increases the understanding of Swedish society, which in turn creates greater opportunities for successful integration.

- The Swedish language is not so easy, especially for those who have come here in adulthood. Therefore, it is good to follow news about Sweden in their mother tongue while learning the language. It is very important to understand which country and society you live in, says Mahmoud Agha.