Last week, industry magazine Dagens Media reported that media giant Bonnier News paid out millions in bonuses to sixteen of the executives. And according to the magazine Journalisten, the media company's CEO Anders Eriksson received a bonus of SEK 2.4 million.

He was also one of those from the media industry who met with the Minister of Culture on Wednesday to request more state support for the press, in addition to the 150 million Bonnier News already receiving in media support. Then as a representative for the newspaper publishers (TU), where he is a board member.

"Sends completely wrong signals"

- It is clear that this sends completely wrong signals and is not good for our business. That is why we have decided to freeze the retroactive bonuses for the management team and our variable remuneration for 2020, says Anders Eriksson to the Culture News.

Haven't you thought about the bonuses before?

- That question has not actually been raised. The last few weeks have been the most intense in my working life. We have worked incredibly hard with many issues regarding the safety of our employees and in establishing our operations. This money will stay in the company, he says.

Received criticism

The bonus payouts are made at a time when Bonnier News was hit by an advertisement loss of about 20-25 percent and started negotiations with the union for short-term permits, according to Dagens Media. The media group's priorities have been criticized by MP Laila Naraghi (S), who points to Anders Eriksson's dual roles.

- On the one hand, recently seeking press support for local newspapers because the economy is difficult for them, and on the other hand distributing huge bonuses in the million class to their management team, is quite absurd, she says to Dagens Media, adding:

- It would be better if they used their own resources instead of using tax money, which could benefit elsewhere.

Bonnier backs

After the payouts have been noticed, Bonnier News now chooses to freeze their bonuses for 2019 and 2020. The management team will also cut 20 percent in salary without reducing working hours. What happens to the bonus money later is unclear.

- When we get through this crisis, we have to discuss with all the employees that we have withdrawn the bonus to see how we should handle it. But here and now no bonuses are paid, Anders Eriksson tells the Culture News.

So the bonuses will be paid out, though later?

- It will show the future.

So can it be that they are not paid out in case the money is needed to rebuild the organization?

- That they are not paid? Yes absolutely.