Investigative journalist Ingi Freyr Vilhjálmsson has resigned from DV, according to Kjarninn. The report came late Sunday. As of yet, Ingi Freyr has not publicly explained the reasons for his resignation, which was first reported late Sunday. Numerous journalists have resigned from the paper following its takeover by perceived Progressive Party-loyals.
Ingi Freyr Vilhjálmsson has, among other things, written extensively about the 2008 economic meltdown, its reasons and consequences. Ingi Freyr’s 2014 book Hamskiptin, or The Moulting, included critique on the spheres of politics, business, journalism and the arts. Among the subject matters covered in the book was then business journalist Björn Ingi Hrafnsson’s extraordinary relations with finance institutes during the pre-2008 economic boom. Björn Ingi recently acquired the majority of DV’s shares and is now the Chair of its board.
In the final report of Alþingi’s special investigative committee, established to investigate the series of events which led to the 2008 crash, Björn Ingi was cited among journalists with extraordinary access to financing. During the investigation, Björn Ingi stepped aside as editor-in-chief of his web medium Pressan. He has since returned with a vengeance, and now owns several news media. Björn Ingi has also been a member of Reykjavík’s city council on behalf of the Progressive party, with which he, reportedly, retains close relations. This mix of politics, finance and supposed journalism was covered extensively in Ingi Freyr’s book.
Last week, freelance journalist Atli Þór Fanndal, stated that he had been informed that his services would no longer be required by DV, after he posed questions about how Björn Ingi had financed the acquisition of DV. Other notable journalists who have left DV after its take-over have repeatedly referred to Ingi Freyr as the country’s best journalist.
The accompanying image portrays the building in which DV’s offices have been located for the last years. Its new owners have announced that they will soon relocate the headquarters to shopping mall Kringlan.
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