Kallafakta’s much-talked-about revelation “Undercover in the troll factory” takes home the award for the review of the year at the Kristallen gala.
The reporters Emil Hellerud and Daniel Andersson are behind the review of SD’s secret troll factories.
The latter worked undercover to be able to map the party’s systematic use of anonymous accounts on social media.
Kalla fakta’s reporters, Emil Hellerud and Daniel Andersson, put in over a year’s work on the demanding review. By taking employment in the party and with the help of a hidden camera, the duo was able to follow SD’s troll factory up close. Every day as an infiltrator meant a risk of being exposed, and Daniel Andersson has previously talked about how he longed for it every day.
Now the hard work has been rewarded with the 2024 Crystal for this year’s review.
– It is great fun and an honor to have received this award, especially in this tough competition, and I am happy that the jury shares our view that this is an important revelation, says Daniel Andersson about receiving the award.
Emil Hellerud agrees with his colleague:
– It makes me incredibly happy that Swedish television does so much sharp investigative journalism. It is a message of strength for democracy. The fact that we now manage to win despite the fierce opposition feels incredibly fun and honouring.
“Not about politics”
The idea of investigating the existence of troll factories was raised in connection with another of the program’s reviews of the Sweden Democrats. Emil Hellerud was then heavily harassed on social media by anonymous accounts and had a premonition that the drive could be organized by the party.
– I hope that the award can continue to shed light on what we have revealed. The program is not about politics. The Troll Factory is about hidden methods, and it’s about the rules of the game for democracy. Therefore, it is important for all of us together.
It is the third time since the award’s establishment in 2010 that Kalla fakta has won this year’s review.