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full screen “The big moose migration” has millions of views every year on SVT Play. Archive image. Photo: Geir Olsen/NTB/TT
Often nothing happens.
But that is precisely the point of the SVT hit about the moose migration.
– It suits the Swedish public spirit, says Göran Ericsson, professor at SLU.
“Think that the sound of water can be so relaxing”.
It was one of thousands of comments in SVT’s chat when “Den stora elgvandringen” started its sixth season on Monday night.
The cameras show a snow-covered landscape along the Ångerman River. Often it is almost completely still. But then the picture changes and suddenly two large stilts are seen on an ice floe. Or a flock of ravens feasting on laid out food.
“So lovely to be able to follow the birds this spring morning,” writes someone in the chat.
– What we have learned is that even if the moose is the common thread, there is much else that also gives the viewers a positive feeling, says project manager Johan Erhag.
– I think there is a need that we may feel a little more now, when everything else in social media is very fast and furious.
“Special feeling”
Admittedly, when the first moose will arrive is always uncertain.
However, SVT’s slow TV success does not seem to be affected that much by the number of moose. Even seemingly uneventful television images engage viewers.
“There is something special about the first day on the elk walk. A special feeling. Expectations are in the air, longing is over and you know it will be a special time ahead. A bit like the first day of summer vacation,” writes the signature Mazarin83 in SVT’s chat.
According to Göran Ericsson, professor at the Swedish University of Agriculture (SLU), it seems to be the overall experience that attracts so many viewers.
– It moves at the pace of nature. It’s peaceful, but you also get an opportunity to ask simple questions about animals and nature in the chat and get a polite answer, he says.
– In addition, many people think it is quite cool that we have something so unknown and unique in Sweden.
New for this year is that the TV program is also broadcast in Germany.
“The moose are coming”
Last year, the cameras placed in Kullberg outside Junsele caught 21 moose swimming across the river.
And the moose will come this year too, promises Göran Ericsson.
The only question is when.
– The moose are coming. So take it easy. They will come when it is warm enough. Because they have to go. These elk cows have to come and give birth to their calves, he says.