Jon Gelius leaves NRK to run for mayor in Arendal

Jon Gelius, a veteran journalist with a 35-year career at the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), has announced his departure from the state broadcaster to enter politics. Gelius has been unanimously nominated by the Conservative Party (Høyre) as their candidate for mayor of Arendal.

Following his resignation, Gelius signed a severance agreement with NRK and officially joined the Conservative Party. The transition has caused some friction at NRK, as the broadcaster reported they were only informed of his political ambitions through news outlets after his severance package was already signed. Katrine Strøm, Regional Editor for NRK Southeast, noted that the news was unexpected and stated that earlier notification would have helped the organization manage potential concerns regarding journalistic impartiality.

Gelius, 62, stated that he informed his manager as soon as his plans were finalized. The Conservative Party in Arendal is scheduled to formally elect their mayoral candidate at a nomination meeting on November 19.