Trial Pillow Creator: Never wanted to hurt anyone

The cultural news review of the Trial Procedure's working methods shows that all five relatives we have talked to are used in the program without being asked and against their will. The families describe the procedure, that their grief in the courtroom is played out to hundreds of thousands of listeners, as abusive and painful.

Nils Bergman believes that the purpose of the podium from the beginning was to present the complex Swedish legal system to a larger audience. Among the driving forces are both general education and meeting the great interest in Sweden for notable cases. He also says that his image up until now has been that the reactions to the trial have been largely positive.

We have talked to five relatives of the victims of crime that you made a reference to. They say they are playing to a large audience against their will. What do you think about that?

- Of course, it is very regrettable to hear that they think it is so negative that the crime is finally receiving a comprehensive report. But I lean on the fact that these are public acts of notable crimes, says Nils Bergman.

The trial podium is today Sweden's most popular true crime podcast, with 173,000 listeners each week. The programs are done by using the principle of publicity to request audio files from murder trials, and then cut them into documentary-like programs about murder and other serious violent crimes.

The relatives we talked to say that your programs are a painful experience. They talk about falling into a black hole, aggravating existing trauma. Do you feel any responsibility for how what you do affects others?

- Of course, I feel a responsibility. But I also feel that I am the last on the ball - after the verdict gained legal power and long after the media attention. That I contribute to a deeper understanding of what has happened and that I know has helped many, too, says Nils Bergman.

If you understand that pain, why not engage in dialogue with the relatives?

- That's one step that I now realize is the least I can do: to at least notify people before I publish. I will definitely start doing that.

You are described as a journalist in several of your productions. After all, there are prescriptive rules, such as "Always show the victims of crimes and accidents the greatest possible consideration." Do you do this when you play crying relatives without asking or informing them about it?

- Maybe you don't, it's hard to answer. As you will notice, I am very much inclined that the public has the right to hear what is being said in a Swedish courtroom. But it is clear that I can start to opt out, and I and my responsible publisher have to talk through this criticism.

So there are thoughts in your mind about changing your way of working?

- Yes absolutely, the purpose of the pod has never been to upset or hurt anyone. I have worked quite pragmatically according to the principle of publicity, and now it may turn out that it is not sustainable, and then I have to think about course.