2024 Summary
Group’s key figures
Key results in 2024
Revenue
EBITDA
the share of digital revenue of group's revenue
digital subscriptions throughout the Baltic States
digital subscriptions growth
employees
Major business results
Sales revenue
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
mEur
% of digital revenue from total sales revenue
Sales
EBITDA
13
10
8
5
3
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
mEur
EBITDA margin %
EBITDA
Net profit (continuing operations)
5
4
3
2
1
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
mEur
Revenue
2024 consolidated revenue totalled EUR 76.2 million (2023: EUR 73.1 million), increasing by 4%. Organic growth is primarily attributable to the increase of digital revenue (+9%) as well as increase in the volume of ticket sales platforms and digital outdoor screens. As a result of the growth of digital subscription sales, the share of the Group’s digital revenue in total revenue was 86% at the end of 2024 (2023: 83%).
Profitability
In 2024, the consolidated EBITDA totalled EUR 10.7 million (2023: EUR 10.2 million). EBITDA increased by 4% as compared to last year and the EBITDA margin was 14% (2023: 14%). The EBITDA growth received a boost from the successful sale of digital subscriptions as well as the increase in the volume of ticket sales platforms and digital outdoor screens.
The consolidated net profit for 2024 totalled EUR 3.3 million (2023: EUR 3.4 million), decreasing by -3%. The decrease in net profit is primarily related to higher interest rates due to the increase in Euribor rates at the beginning of the year, higher depreciation expenses arising from the Group’s investments and increase in income tax expense. The profit from joint ventures and associates had a positive impact on the Group’s net profit (+1.2 million euros vs 2023) in 2024. From July 2023, the unprofitable home delivery service of AS Express Post was closed and the Group will no longer incur an additional loss from this area. A good result in 2024 was also achieved by the joint venture AS Õhtuleht Kirjastus and Altero SIA, an associate operating the financial comparison and brokerage platforms.
The consolidated net profit for 2024 totalled EUR 3.3 million (2023: EUR 3.4 million), decreasing by -3%. The decrease in net profit is primarily related to higher interest rates due to the increase in Euribor rates at the beginning of the year, higher depreciation expenses arising from the Group’s investments and increase in income tax expense. The profit from joint ventures and associates had a positive impact on the Group’s net profit (+1.2 million euros vs 2023) in 2024. From July 2023, the unprofitable home delivery service of AS Express Post was closed and the Group will no longer incur an additional loss from this area. A good result in 2024 was also achieved by the joint venture AS Õhtuleht Kirjastus and Altero SIA, an associate operating the financial comparison and brokerage platforms.
Expenses
In 2024, the cost of goods sold, marketing, and general and administrative costs, excluding depreciation and amortisation totalled EUR 66.3 million (2023: EUR 62.7 million). Operating expenses increased by EUR 3.6 million (+6%). Labour costs increased the most, by EUR 1.2 million (+3%). In the conditions of a difficult economic situation, it was important to pay attention to controlling the cost base – for example, we were able to keep the increase in labour costs at 3% because the annual average number of employees decreased by 1%. The decrease comes mainly from Latvia, where a new manager was also hired at the end of the year in to go strongly against 2025.
Cash position
At the end of the reporting period, the Group had available cash in the amount of EUR 9.0 million (2023: EUR 9.6 million) and equity in the amount of EUR 58.4 million (2023: EUR 56.5 million), which constituted 51% of total assets (2023: 53%). As of 31 December 2024, the Group’s net debt totalled EUR 19.6 million (31 December 2023: EUR 16.5 million).
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from operating activities totalled EUR 10.2 million (2023: EUR 12.2 million), which was negatively affected by both increased income tax and interest payments, as well as the change in working capital due to the increased balance of trade receivables at the end of the year due to higher sales revenue in the 4th quarter.
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from investing activities totalled EUR -9.4 million (2023: EUR -3.9 million), of which EUR -4.6 million was related to the development and acquisition of tangible and intangible assets, of which the largest investments were in the development of Delfi platform and Delfi TV.
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from financing activities totalled EUR -1.4 million (2023: EUR -6.2 million), of which EUR -1.8 million was the dividend payment to the shareholders of AS Ekspress Grupp (2023: EUR -1.5 million). There was no share buy-back in 2024 (2023: EUR -1.0 million). The financing activities also include the net change (i) in borrowings in the amount of EUR 2.2 million (2023: EUR -1.7 million) due to the acquisition of training businesses that exceeded the repayments of amortizing loans and (ii) in IFRS16 lease liabilities in the amount of EUR -2.3 million (2023: EUR -2.0 million) due to the normal reduction of the remaining lease term.
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from operating activities totalled EUR 10.2 million (2023: EUR 12.2 million), which was negatively affected by both increased income tax and interest payments, as well as the change in working capital due to the increased balance of trade receivables at the end of the year due to higher sales revenue in the 4th quarter.
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from investing activities totalled EUR -9.4 million (2023: EUR -3.9 million), of which EUR -4.6 million was related to the development and acquisition of tangible and intangible assets, of which the largest investments were in the development of Delfi platform and Delfi TV.
In 2024, the Group’s cash flows from financing activities totalled EUR -1.4 million (2023: EUR -6.2 million), of which EUR -1.8 million was the dividend payment to the shareholders of AS Ekspress Grupp (2023: EUR -1.5 million). There was no share buy-back in 2024 (2023: EUR -1.0 million). The financing activities also include the net change (i) in borrowings in the amount of EUR 2.2 million (2023: EUR -1.7 million) due to the acquisition of training businesses that exceeded the repayments of amortizing loans and (ii) in IFRS16 lease liabilities in the amount of EUR -2.3 million (2023: EUR -2.0 million) due to the normal reduction of the remaining lease term.
Dividends and dividend policy
At the regular general meeting of shareholders of AS Ekspress Grupp held on 3 May 2024, it was decided to pay a dividend of 6 euro cents per share in the total amount of EUR 1.85 million (2023: EUR 1.49 million or 5 euro cents per share). Dividends were paid to shareholders on 22 May 2024.
The Supervisory Board of AS Ekspress Grupp has approved the group's dividends policy, according to which Ekspress Grupp will pay at least 30% of the annual profit as dividends starting from 2022.
The Supervisory Board of AS Ekspress Grupp has approved the group's dividends policy, according to which Ekspress Grupp will pay at least 30% of the annual profit as dividends starting from 2022.
| Performance indicators (EUR thousand) | 2024 | 2023 | Change % | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Continuing operations | ||||||
| Sales revenue | 76,170 | 73,086 | 4% | 64,141 | 53,516 | 44,514 |
| Revenue from all digital channels (%) | 86% | 83% | 78% | 76% | 70% | |
| EBITDA | 10,677 | 10,217 | 4% | 8,891 | 8,240 | 5,924 |
| EBITDA margin (%) | 14.0% | 14.0% | 13.9% | 15.4% | 13.3% | |
| Operating profit /(loss) | 4,857 | 5,499 | -12% | 4,797 | 4,864 | 3,071 |
| Operating margin (%) | 6.4% | 7.5% | 7.5% | 9.1% | 6.9% | |
| Interest expenses | (1,836) | (1,499) | -22% | (738) | (709) | (860) |
| Profit (loss) of joint ventures under equity method | 318 | (661) | 148% | (242) | (281) | 102 |
| Net profit from continuing operations | 3,252 | 3,351 | -3% | 4,055 | 4,133 | 2,566 |
| Net margin (%) - continuing operations | 4.3% | 4.6% | 6.3% | 7.7% | 5.8% | |
| Return on assets ROA (%)* | 3.1% | 3.3% | 4.3% | 2.4% | 2.7% | |
| Return on equity ROE (%)* | 5.8% | 6.2% | 7.6% | 4.1% | 4.9% | |
| Earnings per share (euro) - continuing operations | ||||||
| Basic earnings per share | 0.1058 | 0.1113 | -5% | 0.1335 | 0.1362 | 0.0852 |
| Diluted earnings per share | 0.1058 | 0.1081 | -2% | 0.1294 | 0.1316 | 0.0820 |
| Balance sheet (EUR thousand) | 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2023 | Change % | 31.12.2022 | 31.12.2021 | 31.12.2020 |
| As of the end of the period | ||||||
| Current assets | 23,908 | 23,094 | 4% | 19,444 | 20,553 | 18,482 |
| Non-current assets | 90,128 | 82,672 | 9% | 80,392 | 73,705 | 75,695 |
| Total assets | 114,036 | 105,766 | 8% | 99,836 | 94,258 | 94,177 |
| incl. cash and cash equivalents | 8,971 | 9,606 | -7% | 7,448 | 10,962 | 6,269 |
| incl. goodwill | 50,410 | 48,166 | 5% | 48,779 | 45,576 | 43,085 |
| Current liabilities | 32,359 | 27,438 | 18% | 22,422 | 20,947 | 18,945 |
| Non-current liabilities | 23,237 | 21,787 | 7% | 21,991 | 19,619 | 20,613 |
| Total liabilities | 55,596 | 49,225 | 13% | 44,413 | 40,566 | 39,558 |
| incl. borrowings | 28,541 | 26,118 | 9% | 25,341 | 22,219 | 22,202 |
| incl. borrowings (excl rental liabilities according to IFRS 16) | 22,068 | 20,177 | 9% | 20,763 | 17,062 | 19,181 |
| Equity | 58,440 | 56,541 | 3% | 55,423 | 53,692 | 54,619 |
| Financial ratios (%) | 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2023 | 31.12.2022 | 31.12.2021 | 31.12.2020 | |
| Equity ratio (%) | 51% | 53% | 56% | 57% | 58% | |
| Debt to equity ratio (%) | 49% | 46% | 46% | 41% | 41% | |
| Debt to capital ratio (%) | 25% | 23% | 24% | 17% | 23% | |
| Total debt/EBITDA ratio | 2.67 | 2.56 | 2.85 | 2.7 | 3.17** | |
| Liquidity ratio | 0.74 | 0.84 | 0.87 | 0.98 | 0.98 | |
|
* return on assets ROA (%) and return on equity ROE (%) ratios are calculated on the basis of net profit, which also includes net profit from discontinued operations. ** for 2020 total debt/EBITDA ratio is calculated on the basis of EBITDA, which also includes EBITDA from discontinued operations |
||||||
| (EUR thousand) | Sales | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change % | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Media segment | 76,071 | 73,365 | 4% | 62,690 | 52,093 | 43,728 |
| advertising revenue | 42,234 | 42,074 | 0% | 37,613 | 33,781 | 28,173 |
| subscriptions (incl single-copy sales) | 20,457 | 19,016 | 8% | 16,819 | 13,311 | 11,336 |
| ticket sales platforms | 4,157 | 3,434 | 21% | 2,232 | 1,013 | 851 |
| outdoor screens | 4,445 | 3,530 | 26% | 2,396 | 1,448 | 920 |
| sale of other goods and services | 4,778 | 5,311 | -10% | 3,630 | 2,539 | 2,448 |
| Corporate functions | 752 | 2,642 | -72% | 4,500 | 4,118 | 2,761 |
| Inter-segment eliminations | -653 | -2,920 | -3,050 | -2,695 | -1,975 | |
| TOTAL GROUP | 76,170 | 73,086 | 4% | 64,141 | 53,516 | 44,514 |
| incl. revenue from all digital channels | 65,786 | 60,460 | 9% | 49,928 | 40,453 | 30,963 |
| % of revenue from all digital channels | 86% | 83% | 78% | 76% | 70% |
Media segment sales revenue
80
60
40
20
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
mEur
% of digital revenue from total sales revenue
Sales
Media segment EBITDA
13
10
8
5
3
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
mEur
Media Segment
The year 2024 has been a year of continued digital growth for Ekspress Group. The number of the Group’s digital subscriptions increased by 15%, reaching 238 182 subscriptions, and the share of digital revenue reached 86% of the Group’s total revenue (2023: 83%).
Digital subscriptions are the foundation of the Group's long-term stability, providing predictable and recurrent revenue flow even in more difficult times. The results of the year 2024 confirm the correctness of this strategy - even in the conditions of economic slowdown, the growth of digital subscriptions and the related revenue have remained stable.
The progress made has varied from country to country, but it has consistently been positive.
- In Estonia, Delfi Meedia continued strong growth, increasing the number of its digital subscriptions by 12% to 114 631 subscriptions. Õhtuleht Kirjastus increased the number of its digital subscriptions by 2% to 25 257 subscriptions and Genius Media by 5% to 7 356 subscriptions.
- In Latvia, Delfi was exceptionally successful, increasing the number of its digital subscriptions by 33% to 35 082 subscriptions.
- In Lithuania, strong progress was also evident - the number of Delfi’s digital subscriptions increased by 11% to 44 170 subscriptions and Lrytas achieved 84% growth, reaching 11 686 subscriptions.
The revenue of the media segment for 2024 totalled EUR 76.1 million (2023: EUR 73.4 million), increasing by 4%. Organic growth is primarily attributable to the increase of digital revenue (+9%) as well as increase in the volume of ticket sales platforms and digital outdoor screens. At the end of 2024, the share of the Group’s digital revenue in total revenue was 86% (2023: 83%).
Advertising
In 2024, advertising revenues remained at the previous year's level. The economic environment of the Baltic States was difficult in the first nine months of 2024. It was characterised by low consumer confidence, conservative investment policies of businesses and changing tax policies of countries. This put also pressure on advertising revenue. However, the 9% increase in advertising revenues in Q4 (compared to last year), which was driven by Lithuania (partially due to the elections in Lithuania in Q4), indicated economic recovery.
Subscriptions
Subscription revenues increased by 8% in 2024 as compared to the same period last year. The growth is mainly due to the increase in the volume of digital subscriptions in all media houses. From the Group's point of view, it is important to grow its digital subscriptions and thereby have less dependence on advertising revenue in the long term.
Ticket sales platforms
Under ticket sales platforms, the Group reports sales revenue of ticket sales platforms in Estonia and Latvia. In 2024, the revenue of ticket sales platforms increased by 21%. The main impact comes from Latvia, where ticket sales volumes are increasing despite the weaker economic environment, and where the Group has achieved a market-leading position.
Outdoor screens
The advertising revenue of outdoor screens increased by 26% in 2024 as compared to last year. The growth has mainly been supported by the expansion of the outdoor screen network. As of 31 December 2024, the Group has a total of 156 outdoor screens, including 109 in Latvia and 47 in Estonia (31.12.2023 a total of 148, incl. 98 in Latvia and 50 in Estonia).
Digital subscriptions are the foundation of the Group's long-term stability, providing predictable and recurrent revenue flow even in more difficult times. The results of the year 2024 confirm the correctness of this strategy - even in the conditions of economic slowdown, the growth of digital subscriptions and the related revenue have remained stable.
The progress made has varied from country to country, but it has consistently been positive.
- In Estonia, Delfi Meedia continued strong growth, increasing the number of its digital subscriptions by 12% to 114 631 subscriptions. Õhtuleht Kirjastus increased the number of its digital subscriptions by 2% to 25 257 subscriptions and Genius Media by 5% to 7 356 subscriptions.
- In Latvia, Delfi was exceptionally successful, increasing the number of its digital subscriptions by 33% to 35 082 subscriptions.
- In Lithuania, strong progress was also evident - the number of Delfi’s digital subscriptions increased by 11% to 44 170 subscriptions and Lrytas achieved 84% growth, reaching 11 686 subscriptions.
The revenue of the media segment for 2024 totalled EUR 76.1 million (2023: EUR 73.4 million), increasing by 4%. Organic growth is primarily attributable to the increase of digital revenue (+9%) as well as increase in the volume of ticket sales platforms and digital outdoor screens. At the end of 2024, the share of the Group’s digital revenue in total revenue was 86% (2023: 83%).
Advertising
In 2024, advertising revenues remained at the previous year's level. The economic environment of the Baltic States was difficult in the first nine months of 2024. It was characterised by low consumer confidence, conservative investment policies of businesses and changing tax policies of countries. This put also pressure on advertising revenue. However, the 9% increase in advertising revenues in Q4 (compared to last year), which was driven by Lithuania (partially due to the elections in Lithuania in Q4), indicated economic recovery.
Subscriptions
Subscription revenues increased by 8% in 2024 as compared to the same period last year. The growth is mainly due to the increase in the volume of digital subscriptions in all media houses. From the Group's point of view, it is important to grow its digital subscriptions and thereby have less dependence on advertising revenue in the long term.
Ticket sales platforms
Under ticket sales platforms, the Group reports sales revenue of ticket sales platforms in Estonia and Latvia. In 2024, the revenue of ticket sales platforms increased by 21%. The main impact comes from Latvia, where ticket sales volumes are increasing despite the weaker economic environment, and where the Group has achieved a market-leading position.
Outdoor screens
The advertising revenue of outdoor screens increased by 26% in 2024 as compared to last year. The growth has mainly been supported by the expansion of the outdoor screen network. As of 31 December 2024, the Group has a total of 156 outdoor screens, including 109 in Latvia and 47 in Estonia (31.12.2023 a total of 148, incl. 98 in Latvia and 50 in Estonia).
Digital subscriptions
250
200
150
100
50
0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
thousands
Digital subscriptions
The total number of digital subscriptions of the Group increased by 15% in the Baltic States year-over-year and totalled 238 182 at the end of December.
The 15% annual growth in the number of digital subscriptions of Ekspress Grupp’s media companies in the Baltics is a good result and demonstrates the sustainability of the digital subscription model even during more difficult economic times, when consumption as a whole is sluggish. Both the last quarter and the entire year were successful for Delfi Latvia, where the number of digital subscriptions increased by a total of 33%. The group's newest media company, Lithuanian news portal Lrytas, has successfully launched subscription sales and increased its digital subscriptions by 84% in 2024. Delfi Lithuania and Delfi Meedia, the group’s largest media company operating in Estonia, also demonstrated good results. In 2025, we will continue the current digital growth strategy, focusing on all markets and media companies.
The digital revenue base of Ekspress Grupp is increasingly based on digital subscription revenue. The Group is making progress in attaining our financial goals and wish to offer digital paid content to at least 340 000 subscribers by the year 2026.
The 15% annual growth in the number of digital subscriptions of Ekspress Grupp’s media companies in the Baltics is a good result and demonstrates the sustainability of the digital subscription model even during more difficult economic times, when consumption as a whole is sluggish. Both the last quarter and the entire year were successful for Delfi Latvia, where the number of digital subscriptions increased by a total of 33%. The group's newest media company, Lithuanian news portal Lrytas, has successfully launched subscription sales and increased its digital subscriptions by 84% in 2024. Delfi Lithuania and Delfi Meedia, the group’s largest media company operating in Estonia, also demonstrated good results. In 2025, we will continue the current digital growth strategy, focusing on all markets and media companies.
The digital revenue base of Ekspress Grupp is increasingly based on digital subscription revenue. The Group is making progress in attaining our financial goals and wish to offer digital paid content to at least 340 000 subscribers by the year 2026.
Main events of 2024
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
- The results of digital subscriptions for the 4th quarter of 2023 were published. The number of digital subscriptions in the Baltic States was 41% higher than a year earlier (4th quarter: 15%) and totalled 207 328 at the end of December 2023.
-
Delfi Meedia announced that from April 2024, Eesti Päevaleht will be published in a new format: daily as a digital edition within Delfi portal and on Fridays, as a week-end print edition LP which publishes longer and more comprehensive articles. The trademark of Eesti Päevaleht will remain as part of Estonian journalism. This change is due to a change in the habits and preferences of readers, which has led to a decrease in the number of subscribers of printed publications and an increase in the popularity and reliability of digital media.
February
- Consolidated unaudited interim report for the 4th quarter and 12 months of 2023 was published. Driven by digital revenue growth, the revenue increased by 14% in 2023 and the Group earned a profit of EUR 3.7 million. The share of digital revenues was 82%.
-
Delfi Meedia organized for the third time the Eesti Päevaleht Energy Conference with the subtitle "Everything depends on the direction of the wind", in addition, the conference was broadcast online. The event received very good feedback from the participants.
- A unique and very strong Ukrainian investment conference was held, where we collaborated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Climate.
- Kroonika magazine hosted spectacular Entertainment Awards, which was broadcast live by TV3. Kroonika magazine awards have a very important place among the stars.
June
- Delfi Meedia AS entered into the contract for the acquisition of business operations of OÜ Eesti Koolitus- ja Konverentsikeskus from 1 July 2024. The acquisition aims to facilitate Delfi Meedia's expansion into Estonia’s training and conference business market. Ekspress Grupp identifies significant growth potential and opportunities for synergy with the Group’s existing operations.
- Delfi Meedia AS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AS Ekspress Grupp, and AS Õhtuleht Kirjastus, its joint venture with a 50% ownership interest, together with AS Postimees Grupp and AS Äripäev, signed the agreement to establish the Baltic Press Publishersʼ Collective Management Organisation, a collective management organisation of news media publishers. The association will promote the interests of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian press publishers, and exercise their economic copyrights and related rights.
September
- There was a witty and up-to-date play "In firm hands. Mass of the Reform Party", offering a bold and critical look at the Estonian political landscape.
- The Supervisory Board of A/S Delfi, the subsidiary of AS Ekspress Grupp in Latvia, has elected Jānis Grīviņš as a new Chairman of the Management Board. Jānis Grīviņš will assume the duties of CEO. Therefore, starting from January 2, 2025, the Management Board of A/S Delfi will be as follows: Jānis Grīviņš (Chairman of the Board), Maira Meija and Filips Lastovskis.
December
- UAB Delfi, 100% subsidiary of AS Ekspress Grupp, entered into the contract for the acquisition of 100% of shares in the company UAB Kenton Baltic from Dainius Baltrusaitis and Arturas Laucius. UAB Kenton Baltic carries out activities related to organization of conferences in Lithuania and Latvia. It‘s flagship, the business conference named EBIT brings together industry leaders and experts to share insights, discuss trends, gathering more than 2000 yearly attendees per both countries. Another popular conference named HR Week is dedicated to human resources management and leadership with 2300 yearly visitors. The acquisition of UAB Kenton Baltic is an organic step in Ekspress Grupp’s strategy with the main goal of growing the conference business line. The investment aims to establish UAB Delfi as a very important provider of industry-specific conferences, boosting Delfi brand, fostering business relationships, and creating new revenue streams. This initiative will increase UAB Delfi conference-related revenue and strengthen industry presence, supporting strategic goal of expanding market visibility and creating new business opportunities.
Our rewards in 2024
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Estonia
In February 2024, the winners of the 2023 journalism awards were announced. They included several employees and publications of Ekspress Group:The journalist of the joint editorial office of Delfi and Eesti Päevaleht, Vilja Kiisler, won the grand prize of the Estonian Association of Media Companies – Journalist of the Year 2023. She was recognised for covering a large variety of topics and her excellent interviewing skills.
Private individuals with a background in journalism, Hans H. Luik, Igor Rõtov and Jüri Ehasalu granted the Young Journalist Award. The young journalist of 2023 is the journalist of Eesti Ekspress, Ekvard Joakit.
The award for investigative journalism of the Swedish media group and newspaper Äripäev was shared: the winners are (i) the articles published by Estonian Public Broadcasting, which triggered and intensified the so-called eastern export scandal and (ii) the articles published in Eesti Päevaleht and Eesti Ekspress, which for the first time exposed the real behind-the scenes activities of the Slava Ukraini donation scandal and showed to whom, how and how much money was transferred. The authors of the articles are Holger Roonemaa, Herman Kelomees, Matthias Kalev, Anna Mõrunjuk and Martin Laine. The articles were published on 15 April “Wealthy Deputy Mayor of Lviv, nail technician and the “person of the year” of Estonia. The million-euro secret of Slava Ukraini” and on 19 May “Somebody needs to keep watch so that she does not rob good people.” How under the management of Johanna-Maria Lehtme the charity of Slava Ukraini became a business.”
The award for investigative journalism of the Swedish media group and newspaper Äripäev was shared: the winners are (i) the articles published by Estonian Public Broadcasting, which triggered and intensified the so-called eastern export scandal and (ii) the articles published in Eesti Päevaleht and Eesti Ekspress, which for the first time exposed the real behind-the scenes activities of the Slava Ukraini donation scandal and showed to whom, how and how much money was transferred. The authors of the articles are Holger Roonemaa, Herman Kelomees, Matthias Kalev, Anna Mõrunjuk and Martin Laine. The articles were published on 15 April “Wealthy Deputy Mayor of Lviv, nail technician and the “person of the year” of Estonia. The million-euro secret of Slava Ukraini” and on 19 May “Somebody needs to keep watch so that she does not rob good people.” How under the management of Johanna-Maria Lehtme the charity of Slava Ukraini became a business.”
With the Estonian Association of Press Photographers, the best video award was granted to Aleksander Algo, Daniel Leevik, Jasper Käänik from Delfi Meedia for their video “Serial protesters.”
The journalists of Õhtuleht, Risto Berendson, Helen Mihelson and Kadri Kuulpak wrote the best feature article. The articles were published in October, and they were “BIG SURVEY OF ÕHTULEHT: every fourth medical graduate disappears,” “WHERE HAVE ALL THE DOCTORS DISAPPEARED? | New Medical Director of the North Estonia Medical Centre: we compete with the Finns every single day,” “WHERE HAVE YOUNG DOCTORS DISAPPERED”? Half-jokingly saying, there is a hierarchy at the hospital: a doctor, a nurse, all kinds of hospital employees, a stool and then a medical student.”
The journalists of Õhtuleht, Risto Berendson, Helen Mihelson and Kadri Kuulpak wrote the best feature article. The articles were published in October, and they were “BIG SURVEY OF ÕHTULEHT: every fourth medical graduate disappears,” “WHERE HAVE ALL THE DOCTORS DISAPPEARED? | New Medical Director of the North Estonia Medical Centre: we compete with the Finns every single day,” “WHERE HAVE YOUNG DOCTORS DISAPPERED”? Half-jokingly saying, there is a hierarchy at the hospital: a doctor, a nurse, all kinds of hospital employees, a stool and then a medical student.”
Latvia
Delfi Latvia won the most Loved media brand prise in Latvia and in Baltics.
Olga Dragiļeva, host of Delfi's investigative journalism show "Kāpēc", and Andris Auzāns, host and producer of the daily news “Spried ar Delfi", received incentive awards in the category "hosts of on-demand audiovisual services" at the "Latvian Media Language Award" event organized by the The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) and the Latvian State Language Center (VVC).
In celebrations of Delfi 25 anniversary, special award for professionalism from the Baltic Media Excellence Center was received by Delfi's journalist Laine Fedotova. The Baltic Media Excellence Center, which cares for and helps media develop and grow, provided Laine Fedotova with the opportunity to travel to Italy next spring and participate in an international journalism festival. Presenting the award to Laine, Gunta Sloga, the head of the Baltic Media Excellence Center, described her as “journalist, who thoroughly digs into every uncomfortable topic that falls into her hands."
The Latvian Journalists Association's "Excellence Awards 2024" were presented. In the "Interview and features" category the award was received by Olga Dragiļeva for her interviews in the Delfi's investigative journalism show "Kāpēc".
The Latvian Journalists Association's "Excellence Awards 2024" were presented. In the "Interview and features" category the award was received by Olga Dragiļeva for her interviews in the Delfi's investigative journalism show "Kāpēc".
In the celebrations of Delfi 25 anniversary, there were also audience, readers voting for their most favorite author. All together aprox. 14k votes. The third most popular author was national news editor Kārlis Arājs. Honorable second place was taken by Alina Lastovska, a journalist who hosts Delfi's investigative journalism show "Kāpēc". As the creator of this program, ex host and journalist of this Delfi's show Olga Dragiļeva, said, that Alina is one of the most knowledgeable journalists in Latvian political journalism. With a margin of only 32 votes, the audience recognized Jānis Sildniks, the creator of the podcast "Science or bullshit" and the head of the Delfi's Social Media Department, as the favorite content creator at "Delfi" in 2024.
On the annual Three Star Awards were presented at the Riga Circus, honouring the outstanding figures in Latvian sports in 2024. The award for the most outstanding achievement in sports journalism, traditionally determined annually by the jury of the Arturs Vaiders Foundation, was received by the Delfi's sports department team of five authors, who created the article series "Paralympic Business" last fall - Jānis Freimanis, Selīna Puķe, Almants Poikāns, Jānis Bendziks and Ingmārs Jurisons.
The Normunds Naumanis Annual Award in Art Criticism was received by poet, film and literary critic, and "Delfi" freelance author Aivars Madris. Prize was received specifically for content created for Delfi.
The Normunds Naumanis Annual Award in Art Criticism was received by poet, film and literary critic, and "Delfi" freelance author Aivars Madris. Prize was received specifically for content created for Delfi.
Lithuania
At the annual award ceremony organized by the Lithuanian Ministry of Finance and the Lithuanian Journalists' Union, a special award was presented to Delfi for its coverage of a wide range of topics and issues.
Dainius Sinkevičius, a special correspondent for Delfi, was honored with the Sharpest Shot Award at the Vilnius Journalists' Forum for his impactful coverage of topics concerning crimes against children that resonated throughout Lithuania.
Tomas Janonis, a special correspondent for Delfi, was awarded the Insight Award at the Vilnius Journalists' Forum for his outstanding coverage of topics exposing how public access to state-owned territories is increasingly restricted and others.
Tomas Janonis was named the winner of the 2024 Journalists' Creative Competition "Man and the Environment."
Tomas Janonis was named the winner of the 2024 Journalists' Creative Competition "Man and the Environment."
At the "Tourism Success Awards" organized by "Keliauk Lietuvoje" Orijus Gasanovas' show "Orijus' Holidays in Lithuania" was named the most successful media project promoting travel to or within Lithuania.
Delfi's investigative journalism was recognized this year with two prestigious awards at the "Paparazzi" forum organized by communication agency Publicum. Special correspondent Dainius Sinkevičius received the "For Courage" award, while his colleague Tomas Janonis was honored with the "For Investigations" award.
Delfi's investigative journalism was recognized this year with two prestigious awards at the "Paparazzi" forum organized by communication agency Publicum. Special correspondent Dainius Sinkevičius received the "For Courage" award, while his colleague Tomas Janonis was honored with the "For Investigations" award.
The international free press organization "Free Press Unlimited," which supports media and journalists worldwide, announced the twenty winners of the 2024 Collaborative Journalism Fellowship. Among them was Vytautė Merkytė, editor of Delfi Plius.
Ekspress Grupp Annual Report
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EE
About Ekspress Grupp
Group's key businesses and brands
Our strategy and business goals
Ekspress Grupp as an investment
2024 Summary
Group’s key figures
Statement of the chairman of the management board
Major business results
Main events
Rewards and recognition
Digital Media Company
Becoming increasingly digital
Digital media facts
Media and Sustainable Development
ESG strategy
Public impact, role and responsibility
- Independent and influential media group
- Responsible advertising platform
Responsible Business Practice
Customer satisfaction and rights
Responsible and attractive employer
Supply chain sustainability and lower environmental impact
Honest and responsible management
Management Commentary
Ekspress Grupp Annual Report
Statement of the chairman of the management board
The past year again reaffirmed the vital role of independent and financially self-sustaining journalism in our society. At a time of uncertainty prevailing in the world, our commitment to serving democracy through quality journalism is more important than ever.
The year was characterised by important global events: from the US presidential elections to the growing influence of social media platforms, where in the era of the noise created by artificial intelligence and the increasing merging of politics and business, fact-checking is being increasingly disregarded. These developments confirm the extraordinary importance of reliable, fact-based journalism in preserving an informed society.
The dedication of Ekspress Grupp’s media publications to quality was recognised with numerous prestigious prizes in all Baltic States, from the Journalist of the Year title awarded by the Estonian Association of Media Companies to Vilja Kiisler, to several important recognitions for the journalistic work of our Latvian and Lithuanian colleagues.
The journey of the digital transformation of Ekspress Grupp continues. In terms of digital subscriptions, we have managed to achieve a position in the global leadership group. Estonia's achievements are especially noteworthy – we can proudly say that we are at the top in the world in terms of digital news subscriptions. In addition to the solid work of our journalists, the high level of digitalisation among the Estonian people and the strong competitive situation in the journalism landscape have also contributed to this.
– Mari-Liis Rüütsalu, Chairman of the Management Board