Illuminating Immigration in Media: Contemporary Perspectives from Sweden and the Twin Cities

The inaugural Edward and Elizabeth Carlson Sweden Project event will take place on June 4, 2026, and feature journalists from The Local Sweden and Sahan Journal in conversation about how immigration issues are covered in Sweden and Minnesota. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain new perspectives on immigration in both the Swedish and US contexts.

Immigrant communities around the world have specific needs for information not always covered by traditional newspapers and have historically benefitted from news sources dedicated to their distinct experiences. James Savage (The Local Sweden) is joining Andrew Hazzard and Shubhanjana Das (Sahan Journal) in a panel discussion to their experiences working for mission-driven newsrooms covering stories for and about immigrants in Sweden and Minnesota.

Moderated by Fred de Sam Lazaro (Under-Told Stories, PBS NewsHour), the conversation will explore contemporary immigration issues in Sweden and Minnesota and their recent historical context through the lens of journalism, illuminating how coverage differs in each country and what we can learn from each other. Additionally, event attendees will hear firsthand about what it’s like being a journalist in each country and working for a newsroom with a specific purpose: to provide essential information for immigrant communities.

PANELISTS:

James Savage is Founder and Publishing Director of The Local, the biggest source of local news and advice for international professionals/expats in nine European countries. His focus is on building reader revenues and making news sustainable in the 21st century for the benefit of diverse audiences across Europe. He writes about Swedish and European affairs for The Local and is a frequent commentator in Swedish media on British and Swedish affairs. He is chair of the Swedish Magazine Publishers’ Association (Sveriges tidskrifter) and chair of Utgivarna, which gathers all major Swedish media companies to speak on areas of common interest and promote free speech. He won Sveriges Tidskrifter’s Grand Prize in 2021 for his contributions to the Swedish media industry. James lives in Stockholm and is originally from Lincolnshire, England.

Andrew Hazzard is a reporter with Sahan Journal who focuses on climate change and environmental justice issues. After starting his career in daily newspapers in Mississippi and North Dakota, Andrew returned to Minneapolis where he worked for local publications such as Southwest Journal. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. Andrew enjoys travel, speaks Spanish, and is a depressed supporter of Minnesota’s professional sports teams. He and his wife live in Minneapolis.

Shubhanjana Das is a reporter at Sahan Journal. She is a journalist from India and previously worked as a reporting fellow at Sahan before stepping into her current role. Before moving to the U.S., she spent five years working as an independent journalist in India, writing for outlets including VICE, Vogue, The Indian Express, and Mongabay. She is a 2026 National Press Foundation fellow and graduated from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 2025.

MODERATOR:

Fred de Sam Lazaro is the founder and executive director of the Under-Told StoriesProject and has served as a correspondent for the PBS NewsHour, since 1985. He also was a regular contributor and substitute anchor for PBS’ Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. Fred also has directed films from India and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the acclaimed documentary series, Wide Angle. Fred has reported from 70 countries with a focus on the myriad issues that underlie poverty and human suffering which are under-reported in the mainstream U.S. media.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Advanced registration encouraged, tickets at the door if available.
• The American Swedish Institute (ASI) was founded by Swan Turnblad, a Swedish immigrant to Minnesota who created Svenska Amerikanska Posten, a Swedish-language newspaper (1885–1940) serving the Swedish immigrant population in Minnesota. Sharing stories of migration, identity, and belonging are central to the mission of ASI.
• The Local Sweden was founded in 2004 to cover Swedish news and essential information in English for immigrants, frequent visitors, and others interested in Swedish news and has since expanded to offer coverage in nine European countries.
• Sahan Journal was founded in 2019 as a nonprofit digital newsroom dedicated to reporting for immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota.
• This event is part of the Edward and Elizabeth Carlson Sweden Project, which provides a lens on contemporary Sweden through conversations with renowned Swedish scholars and leaders.
• Funding comes from a generous gift from Steve and Cathy Carlson in honor of Edward and Elizabeth Carlson.
• Additional support is provided by Sahan Journal.