Media and Sustainable Development

ESG strategy

It is the third year that Ekspress Grupp publishes a separate ESG report as part of its annual report. The separate ESG report consolidates the financial report in the same volume as the annual report and covers the operations of the parent company and all its subsidiaries as part of its annual report. 2024 is the first year when Ekspress Grupp publishes its sustainability report in compliance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

As before, the Group's sustainability activities and, in connection with it, the report is based on the ESG (environmental-social-governance) strategy created in 2022. The focus of the report is set on the important topics identified in the strategy creation and during double materiality assessment. We measure and analyse our development in these areas with the help of the benchmarks directly related to the strategy, as well as with the benchmarks required in the ESRS topical standards.

The ESG strategy of Ekspress Grupp is based on the international standards of a responsible enterprise, EU sustainability regulations and the sector’s best practices. When creating the ESG strategy back in 2022, we also mapped out preliminary important topics (materiality analysis) in cooperation with external experts. This was complimented by a more detailed double materiality analysis conducted in 2024, which is compliant with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) guidance on the use of the double materiality principle and the involvement of stakeholders necessary to comply with the Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

Our focus areas

As a result of the analysis of significant themes we identified nine ESG focus areas, which do not differ from the identified impact areas and focus areas from 2022. We have consolidated these themes under three areas of social impact and responsibility.

Responsible and attractive employer

• Personal and professional development
• Employee wellbeing
• Diversity. Equality and Inclusion

Regional leader in the industry

• Impactful and independent media
• Responsible advertising platform
• Customer rights and interests

Sustainable and ethical company

• Resource use and climate impact management
• Responsible governance
• Supply chain sustainability

Our value chain

Ekspress Grupp as a media company and its subsidiaries operate in multiple different segments, including digital and printed media, advertising solutions, ticket sales and events organisation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Given that the Group operates in several segments, the assessed IROs for the Group are present throughout each subsidiary’s own operations but also in the value chain.

UPSTREAM ACTIVITES

Content creation
Platform management
Translation and printing
Digital conversion
E-publishing
Ticket allocation and validation
Event planning
Concept development
Logistics management

OWN OPERATIONS

MEDIA
Online digital publications
Printed publications
E-books and audio-books

ADVERTISING
Digital screens
Printed outdoor material

ADVERTISING SALES PLATFORM

TICKET SALES PLATFORM

EVENTS

DOWNSTREAM ACTIVITIES

Audience engagement
Product distribution and sales
Campaign evaluation
Ad placement and installation
Ad performance monitoring
Ticket marketing and promotion
Post-event analysis
Event ad management

SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES

Strategic governance
Portfolio management
Stakeholder engagement
Office resource management

Public impact, role and responsibility

As a leading media group, Ekspress Grupp is well aware of its role in the economic and social development of all its home markets. Our companies have undeniably the biggest impact and possibility to contribute to the society and democracy through their core activities – by creating media content and offering modern digital solutions and services. To ensure that our positive contribution has as great an impact as possible, we conduct our activities in all media segments according to principles of corporate responsibility and sector standards.

Independent and influential media group

The role and responsibility of media is to bring relevant and challenging themes to the public. Coverage of social challenges turns attention to important processes that need to be changed so that they can be positively influenced thereafter.

With its ESG strategy, we have assumed a Group-wide role and accountability for creating real changes to support sustainable development, especially UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our promise

Ekspress Grupp's goal is to be a leading supporter of the freedom of speech in the Baltics and to foster the society by providing access to fact-based and quality information. We wish to increase our contribution to the development of the media sector in order to preserve and promote the high level of press freedom in the Baltics. Our ambition is to be a leading reporter of sustainability issues in the Baltics.

Targets

None of Ekspress Grupp's publications do not publish unethical or irresponsible information.

None of the articles in Ekspress Grupp's media publications contradicts Ekspress Grupp's code of ethics.

We contribute to the development of the media sector through the following activities:

- We actively work to ensure that our journalistic content is independent, ethical and of high quality.

- We contribute to the development of media literacy and information literacy in cooperation with relevant interest stakeholders.

- We connect publications with socially important focus themes and create and develop media platforms focused on sustainability topics.

Our approach to
responsible journalism

Press ethics starts with independence

Journalism needs to be independent and free. The work of journalists and periodicals should not be influenced by business interests, political links, personal relations or gains, bribes or any other benefits. The principles of balanced journalism are followed in all Group companies. Various parties are allowed to express themselves equally and can present counterarguments and, if necessary, corrections. The sources of presented information are always verified. Each journalist is responsible for source and confidentiality protection. In case of sensitive topics, the line of ethics should be perceived.

Standing up for credibility and freedom of expression

The continued and increasingly sharp polarization of the public increases the pressure on media houses to create and present reliable and quality journalistic content in a timely manner.

Comment control by human moderation

Comments are an important part of online publications as they enable the readers to express their views on topics that are important to them. Ekspress Grupp's media publications promote comments by users who are registered and logged in. Inappropriate comments are removed by both human moderators and a machine-learning moderating system.

Major topics in 2024

How we transformed the society through raising important topics

Our journalists covered a wide range of topics that resonated strongly in society, from the change of government to the rise and fall of an investment guru, as well as complex court cases and security issues. Entertainment topics were also not overlooked.

The investigation into the apartment affair of former Minister Kalle Laanet escalated into a criminal proceeding

Eesti Ekspress published an in-depth article about the suspicious and questionable activities of the Minister of Justice Kalle Laanet, that awarded the Bonnier Prize to our journalists Märt Belkin, Holger Roonemaa, and Oliver Kund.

Russian strategic sabotage in Europe

Marta Vunš and Artur Izumrudov, journalists of Rus.Delfi published a series of articles on the influence of Telegram on Estonian security and the Russian strategic sabotage in Europe.

Scandalous Swedish TV series about Estonia turns out to be a fake

Our journalist Tuuli Jõesaar published an investigative article on the popular Swedish television series about the sinking of ferry Estonia, for which she was nominated for the best article of the year award.

European Parliament elections 2024

During 2024 European Parliament election, we created positive impact and success through wide coverage of topics, including a debate tournament event for politicians.

Most drivers failed the new theory test

Geenius Meedia wrote their most popular investigative article about the problems of B-category driver’s license state exams.

The fastest basketball news and Rally Estonia

During 2024, we have remained the largest broadcaster and reporter of Estonia’s local basketball competitions and media partners for Rally Estonia.

A scandalous event of Foxpay

Special correspondent of Delfi Lithuania, Tomas Janonis wrote about a scandalous event of Foxpay. The investigation found that the price of Foxpay's services for the public sector is significantly higher than for private clients. The Public Procurement Service carried out an assessment and found that the state has significantly overpaid for Foxpay's services. According to the Authority, the end-users overpaid for Foxpay's inadequate prices. Following the Janonis’ investigation, the State Agency for Digital Solutions abandoned Foxpay's services.

A house illegally built by businessman Antanas Bosas in Vilnius district was demolished

Following a Delfi Lithuania investigation, a house illegally built by businessman Antanas Bosas in Vilnius district was demolished. The courts ruled that the municipality had issued an illegal building permit. The courts annulled the permit and ordered the house to be demolished. Already back in 2017, Tomas Janonis, our special correspondent for Delfi Lithuania, wrote that the construction of the house was illegal because it is forbidden to build residential houses in the forest.

Delfi Lithuania uncovered and ignited a series of corruption investigations

In 2024, Delfi Lithuania uncovered and ignited a series of corruption investigations. Our journalist Vytenis Miškinis discovered insights on a well-known business celebrity in Lithuania, who has presented himself as a business genius, however, the investigation shows the reality is much different: delayed projects, unhappy clients, unfulfilled promises, strange bankruptcies, court defeats and prosecutor's investigations. People who have come into contact with him suspected serious corruption, but the authorities did not look too deeply into it. The article was followed by an investigation by the police, which resulted in the arrest in March 2024.

Delfi Latvia investigated the shortcomings of Latvia's education system

Delfi Latvia analytical series “Reformu Vaig?” (“Would you like (to have) the reform”, misspelled intentionally to paraphrase a culturally popular expression) examined Latvia’s education system, exposing inefficiencies in school networks, teacher shortages, and weak policymaking. Through expert insights and data analysis, it emphasized the need for clear evaluation criteria, better teacher support, and structured reforms. The series sparked public debate and led Delfi to submit its findings to the Latvian Parliament, urging action.

Coverage of US presidential elections got wide audience

Delfi Latvia made a live text coverage of the U.S. presidential election in 2024 which attracted over 200 000 readers. The multimedia approach featuring interviews, social media updates, images, videos, and data tables offered an engaging and dynamic experience. The fast-paced reporting provided real-time analysis, making it one of Latvia’s most in-depth election coverages and reinforcing Delfi as a key source for international news.

Investigation into the organization of paralympic sports and the lack of transparent policy in Latvia

Delfi Latvia published analytical piece on inclusive volunteering in sports led to change, prompting the Latvian Basketball Association to involve people with disabilities as volunteers at a national team game. Inspired by discussions in "Parasporta bizness" (“Business of parasport”), the initiative was organized by Apeirons, NGO advocating for people with disabilities. Even initial sceptics recognized its success. Delfi Latvia’s reporting not only highlighted this milestone but also helped expand accessibility efforts in sports.

Development of the media sector and media competence

As a leading media group, we have assumed the role of the voice of the media sector with a view of contributing to the development of the sector. We actively support the development of media competence and fact-based knowledge.

Coverage of sustainable development

In 2020, Eesti Päevaleht was the first media outlet in Estonia to launch a climate section in 2020. In 2021, it was expanded into a more general Green Portal that follows trends and developments in sustainability topics.

Grynas, a news portal devoted to environmental issues, has been operating under Delfi Lithuania continuously more than ten years. In addition to this, environmental challenges covered within the special project Tvari Lietuva, based on the UN sustainable development goals where in addition to a continuous news stream, longer analytical articles on topics such as energy, consumer behaviour, education, gender equality, sustainable innovation and environmental protection are published once a month. In addition, video stories are made and brainstorming sessions are conducted to improve public environmental awareness. In 2023, Delfi Latvia launched its green portal Mēs darām, and the Lithuanian publication Lrytas started the sustainability project Tvarumo kodas, mapping the journey of businesses towards sustainability both in text and in video, and also hoping to inspire others. The Lithuanian news agency ELTA has also created a separate section dedicated to sustainability.

In addition to the green portal of Eesti Päevaleht, other media platforms of Delfi Meedia have developed more extensive social themes which have been in the focus of the largest brands for several years.

reduction of traffic deaths

reduction of home violence

mental health

appreciation of rural life

Events and cooperation projects

We contribute more broadly to the development of the society through various cooperation projects. As a Group, we have expanded our business into event management, and also focus on sustainability issues, as part of our goal to be advocates for sustainable development issues.

In 2024, a collaboration with the University of Tartu began, where Delfi Meedia journalists teach journalism students about modern web journalism. The course’s contact sessions take place in Tartu, while seminar days are held in Tallinn at the Delfi editorial office. The course focuses the development of digital media, communication processes in the media organisation, journalistic ethics and workshops on practical journalism.

In 2024 Delfi Meedia and Eesti Päevaleht organised the annual energy sector conference with a focus on future of the Estonian energy sector, including energy prices and energy security of supply and cleaner environment.

In 2024 Geenius Meedia organised two public debate/ stand-up event Evening with Geenius, where executives of start-up companies openly talked about their success stories, failures, mental health and the impact of business on private life. The similar format is expected to continue in 2025.

In 2024, Delfi Lithuania continued with an annual sustainability conference targeted at enterprises. The conference is focused on Lithuanian and foreign experts sharing their experience and knowledge in the integrated management of ESG, including the measuring of environmental impact and setting reduction targets. Most significant debates were broadcast also in Estonia and Latvia.

In 2024, Delfi Lithuania became the proud member of LAVA (Lithuanian Responsible Business Association). LAVA is a national sustainable business ecosystem builder, uniting companies and organizations, as well as sustainability experts and enthusiasts. It aims to promote sustainable business development, create partnerships, strengthen competencies and bring together sustainability specialists. The Lithuanian Responsible Business Association unites 45 companies and organizations that care about environmental protection, social responsibility, good corporate governance practices, as well as 6 sustainability experts and enthusiasts.

During 2024, Lrytas organised four major projects/conferences. Švietimo kodas, the biggest educational conference in Lithuania focuses insights on the education situation, necessary changes, and how everyone can contribute to it. The largest practical security conference in Lithuania, "Security Code", was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defence and Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, sharing insights and advice on defence, psychological resilience, physical, cyber and economic security. Additionally, Business Gene and My Space were organised.

In the end of 2024, Delfi Lithuania acquired the leading conference organiser in Lithuania, Kenton Baltic, gaining the rights for organizing the biggest business conference EBIT and biggest HR conference HR Week. The organisation of the conferences allows combine both Delfi Lithuania’s and Delfi brand’s strong media visibility with new conference brands and experience in organizing business conferences, Delfi is able to create a unique platform for knowledge sharing and networking across the Baltic region.

Delfi Latvia partnered with Junior Achievement Latvia organization to educate students about journalism and the vital role of news media.

Delfi Latvia also collaborated with several conferences, one of them being EBIT, to emphasize the importance of news media subscriptions and their impact on quality journalism.

Responsible advertising platform

As a media group, our activities are not limited to journalistic content. Advertising sales on our media platforms and on digital outdoor displays play a significant part in our commercial success. Therefore, we also have a responsibility to ensure that the marketing messages we deliver are aligned with our own values, and national and international marketing regulations.

To achieve our targets, we have focused on the following activities:

- We ensure that marketing messages delivered on our platforms comply with the law, are honest, sincere and truthful.

- We ensure a clear line between content marketing and journalistic content.

Our promise

Our goal is to be recognised and trusted by our customers and readers as an ethical and responsible advertising platform. We want to take a leading role in the Baltics in promoting the principles of responsible advertising in the media sector.

Targets

Zero cases where advertising or content marketing displayed on our platforms breaches our internal rules.

Our approach to responsible advertising

Content marketing

The Group is convinced that the journalistic content must not be influenced by the interest of advertising clients, content marketing or the organisation of the group's own commercial events. The Group's periodicals have drawn a clear line between advertising and editorial work. Content marketing and other content shown for a fee – such as special projects – are visually recognizable and labeled accordingly. Our customers and readers also expect it.

Advertising sales

All our companies adhere to the obligations and restrictions arising from the law in advertising sales.
For us, responsible data use in advertising sales is part of our responsibility to our customers, as well as a business opportunity to stand out as a reliable, ethical and transparent advertising platform.

Digital outdoor advertising

For Ekspress Grupp's digital outdoor advertising companies, part of their social responsibility is related to light pollution from advertising screens, which can affect both city residents and road users. Companies take into account the requirements arising from the law and the agreements of good practice of outdoor advertising.

Ekspress Grupp's wider social contribution

Ekspress Grupp contributes extensively to the development of society through various cooperation projects. In 2022, the following projects deserve to be highlighted:

Publishing house Hea Lugu announced a competition of historical novels as fascinating stories and characters put life in important historical events, phenomena and persons.

Delfi Latvia implemented a large project related to the parliamentary elections, which included debates, special projects and for the first time product development cooperation with local designers.

For the fifth year, in December, Delfi Latvia collected donations for families who have to take care of their sick loved ones on a daily basis with the "Strength and Strong People" charity donation campaign. This year, the campaign drew attention to a time when a family member in need of care becomes an adult. This is a time when state support for the family is significantly reduced, but the sick family member still needs support and care. 52,000 euros were raised in the 2022 campaign.

Since 2013, the editorial department of Lithuanian Delfi has been handing out Delfi Titan awards to outstanding people who break stereotypes with their example and draw attention to important public phenomena and events. In 2022, 7 people received recognition, among others the President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.

Delfi organized the concert of Kalush Orchestra, winner of 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vilnius for more than 5,000 people. Half of the ticket revenue (40,000 euros) was donated to the "I am Ukraine" charity fund.

The three-day investment conference "My investment" brought together both beginners and experienced investors. In total, 9 discussion panels were held, 19 hours were broadcast, 50 speakers took the stage, and the conference broadcasts have been viewed more than 300,000 times.