Atuagagdliutit Grønlandsposten. The History of Greenlandic News

Sources: Library of Congress, Sermitsiaq.ag

Greenland is the world’s largest island, geographically part of North America but historically and politically linked to Europe. Eighty-one percent of its surface is covered by the Greenland ice sheet, but its name means "Green Land." This remarkable land was discovered by Vikings in the 10th century, became a Danish colony in the 18th century, and gained autonomy in 1979.

In the 19th century, Greenland attracted researchers and scientists. One of them, Danish geologist Hinrich Johannes Rink, explored the ice sheet, befriended the locals, and studied their history, culture, and language. To share knowledge about this "white land" and to preserve Inuit identity, he established Greenland’s first newspaper in the native language of kalaallisut.

Atuagagdliutit: Greenland`s First Newspaper

Rink arrived in Greenland in 1848 and spent 22 years there as a geologist, glaciologist, and administrator. During this time, he created maps, wrote books, and contributed articles to Danish newspapers.

In 1851, with the introduction of a unified Greenlandic grammar, Rink became even more inspired by the land and its people. He decided to write in the Inuit native language. In 1857, he acquired two small presses—one for printing and one for lithography—and transported them to Godthåb (now Nuuk), the capital of Greenland. There, he founded the South Greenland Press and, on January 1, 1861, published the first issue of the newspaper Atuagagdliutit.


This challenging name, difficult for Europeans to pronounce, means "distributed reading material." It contained more literary content than informational, focusing on the country’s people and history. Its subtitle read: Nalingínarnik tusaruminásassunik univkât (Stories about general matters, so they can be easily heard).

Rink invited Rasmus Storm Josva Berthel Berthelsen, Lars Peter Silas Mathæus "Arĸaluk" Møller, and Aron of Kangeq to collaborate on the newspaper.

All three contributors were Inuit. Berthelsen, a teacher, poet, and artist, had graduated from a seminary in Nuuk. In 1852, he wrote the hymn Guterput (Our God). He is also known for the famous woodcut Starving Greenlanders.

Møller was a printer, lithographer, illustrator, and translator. He began working with the newspaper at age 15 in Rink’s printing house. Recognizing his potential, Rink sent him to Denmark to study typography and lithography. By the time the first issue of Atuagagdliutit was published in 1861, Møller was its publisher.

Aron of Kangeq was a hunter as well as an illustrator and storyteller, writing children’s stories. His early texts and drawings reached Rink in 1857, who taught him woodcutting. Aron’s works became a hallmark of the newly established newspaper.

Eight Pages, Two Columns, and an Unusual Numbering System

Although Rink founded the newspaper, he left editorial work to the Greenlanders. The main editor, Rasmus Berthelsen, authored all three articles in the inaugural issue. Stories about Greenland and its people filled eight pages, divided into two columns per page, with each column individually numbered. Thus, the issue contained 16 numbered columns instead of pages. In subsequent issues, column numbering continued, not page numbering. The newspaper featured woodcuts, drawings, and watercolors, often in color—a rare feature at the time. Its logo depicted a woodcut of Nuuk, created by Aron of Kangeq.

The newspaper was in broadsheet format, featuring high-quality printing, full-page illustrations, and a print run of 300 copies. Atuagagdliutit was one of the few illustrated newspapers in the world and the first to print in color. Remarkably, it was free, aiming to encourage Greenlanders to read.

It was published monthly but, due to transportation challenges, issues were delivered to towns and villages in bulk, once a year. Despite the outdated news content, readers appreciated the connection to distant lands, making it their only contact with foreign cultures.

For the first five months, Atuagagdliutit was published fairly regularly. Each issue contained three articles about Greenland and its people. The February 1861 issue featured a piece on Greenlandic fishing by Samuel Kleinschmidt, the creator of the kalaallisut grammar. Notably, Kleinschmidt didn’t use capital letters. Every sentence had punctuation and ended with a period, but the following sentence began with a lowercase letter. A map of Greenland’s regions was also included.

The May 1861 issue, the last of that year, differed slightly, featuring six short notes and one longer article. The notes included recent events reported in Danish newspapers and lists of ships and captains arriving at Greenlandic ports. The longer article narrated the story of Thorvald, an Icelandic sailor who reached Vinland (Newfoundland) in the 11th century and lost his life there.

Curiously, one illustration in this issue showed Indian soldiers transporting cannons on elephants, despite no related article. It was an early example of visual storytelling.

A Year of Silence and Linguistic Challenges

After the May 1861 issue, the newspaper went silent. It resumed in July 1862. By September, no issue appeared, but from August onward, it was published twice, sometimes three or even four times a month. This increased frequency allowed for serialized publication of well-known books, such as Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (with colored illustrations) and Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. Some issues contained only the serialized book text, creating challenges as many European concepts lacked Greenlandic equivalents, requiring the creation of new words.

The newspaper evolved over time. Texts became visually distinct, with titles in different fonts. Illustrations depicted European cityscapes (e.g., windmills) and scenes from Native American life, intriguing the Inuit audience. Lars Møller, the illustrator, also authored articles. New writers, such as J. Kjerip and J. Motzfeldt, began contributing. Column numbering persisted, and Nuuk’s depiction remained on the cover.

On April 6, 1865, a special supplement, atuagagdliutinut ilangussat (special supplement to Atuagagdliutit), was added. Titled assilissat nalinginait (ordinary pictures), it included colored woodcuts of Inuit life. Similar supplements appeared in July of the same year, featuring images of animals and knights, accompanying a book on chivalry. These additions continued in subsequent years.

In September 1867, the depiction of Nuuk disappeared from the front page, but illustrations and supplements remained regular features.

Farewell to Rink

In 1868, Johannes Rink had to leave Greenland and return to Denmark due to health issues. He left the newspaper, publishing house, and printing press in the hands of Greenlanders and opened Grønlænderhjem (Greenlandic Home) in Copenhagen. It became a place where young Inuit learned various trades. Rink continued to stay involved with the publication, especially as the newspaper remained free and was supported by Danish government subsidies.

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Rink passed away on December 15, 1893. A special issue, published on October 17, 1894, was dedicated to him. Today, a memorial plaque in Nuuk bears the inscription: Kalatdlit asavai ilisimavai (He loved Greenlanders, knew them, and defended them).

Rasmus Berthelsen managed the Atuagagdliutit editorial office until 1874. While staying in touch with the newspaper, he passed its leadership to Lars Møller, who managed it for 48 years. Møller not only wrote articles but, as an established illustrator, contributed his woodcuts to the newspaper.

At that time, Atuagagdliutit had already been published for thirteen years, which today is considered an achievement. However, the Danish government at the time did not fully appreciate Rink`s work. The Greenlanders, on the other hand, valued the editorial team`s efforts. Not only was the newspaper printed locally, but even the paper for printing was produced on-site. Harsh climatic conditions often froze the damp paper. Considering these challenges, as well as the language difficulties, the work of the printers, publishers, and editors of that era deserves recognition. Inuit eagerly awaited "their newspaper," which was read from cover to cover and passed from hand to hand. The graphics often decorated homes. Due to its limited print run, the newspaper was highly valued. During the tenure of the first editor-in-chief (1861-1874), 195 issues and several special supplements were published.

Summary and a Break for Polar Expeditions

Lars Møller began his tenure in the main editorial office by compiling a summary. On April 1, 1874, he published a separate volume titled Index of Used Words and Names, covering all issues from January 1, 1861, to April 1, 1874. Each word or phrase was indexed with its corresponding column number (totaling 5,081 columns). After this "monumental task," there was a five-month hiatus in publication as the editors participated in polar expeditions.

The next issue appeared on September 25, 1874. It featured the familiar woodcut of Nuuk (always included in the first issue of each new season), with an unchanged title and subtitle. Column and issue numbering restarted. An ornamental line separated the title from the text, and under the left column appeared a table of contents. In the first few issues, there were retrospectives on past years, including Tales from 1001 Nights.

Articles now had bolded titles, followed by the author’s name, translator’s name, or a brief explanation of the content. The two-column format remained, but the font size was reduced, allowing for more text. Each issue featured at least one woodcut. New contributors included Jens Lund, Carl Berglund, and Andreas Jansen.

A year later, on March 30, 1875, another summary appeared, covering 12 issues. On September 7, the first issue of the new season was published, with numbering starting anew. This cycle repeated for many years.

Forty Years Old at the Dawn of the 20th Century

Significant changes emerged in subsequent years. A Greenlandic poetry corner debuted on September 4, 1877. Later, a section for obituaries and miscellaneous announcements appeared in September 1881, followed by the creation of the column Tamardlisit (Everything) in 1889, featuring international news. The title font was also updated.

Atuagagdliutit began evolving. Greenlanders, curious about events outside their country, sought global news. Their worldview expanded beyond fishing and herding. Møller, understanding these changing needs, adapted the newspaper’s format, responded to readers` questions, and occasionally published their writings. As the paper approached its 40th anniversary, it was clear that changes were needed to usher in a new century and era.

On October 4, 1900, the first issue of the new season once again featured Nuuk—but this time, it was a photograph instead of a woodcut. Though photographs were an appealing addition, woodcuts and drawings by Greenlandic artists remained a staple. Occasionally, photographs were included, such as on February 13, 1901, when a special edition commemorated the death of former editor Rasmus Berthelsen with his portrait. This format was used to honor individuals who significantly contributed to Greenland’s history.

Another innovation was the business section, which detailed profits and losses in fishing. The first such report, covering 1902/1903, was authored by Royal South Greenland Inspector Ole Bendixen, who listed names of fishermen alongside their earnings. Similar reports became an annual tradition.

On September 28, 1905, the newspaper published its first official royal communiqué: a declaration by Prince Frederick outlining his plans upon ascending the throne. From then on, royal announcements and governmental updates became a regular feature in Atuagagdliutit.

Golden Jubilee and Wartime Reports

Atuagagdliutit gradually began transforming into a traditional newspaper. While mid-year summaries continued resetting issue and column numbering, the two-column, 8-page format remained. However, the layout evolved.

Each issue started with an editorial, not always written by Lars Møller. It was followed by serialized novels, while the last page featured announcements and notices. The newspaper was relatively regular, published twice a month, though occasionally with only one or no issue at all. Perhaps this was why, on September 2, 1910, the newspaper celebrated its 50th anniversary. A commemorative supplement included a brief history and the names of all authors and illustrators who had contributed from 1861 to 1910.

In 1914, like newspapers worldwide, Atuagagdliutit informed readers about the outbreak of war. A detailed account of the initial battles was accompanied by a map of Europe (November 2, 1914). Over the following months, each issue began with articles under the shared title Europame sorssungnerssuaq (News from Europe). South Greenland Inspector Oluf Hastrup contributed his opinions and commentary on the war. From 1915, photos from the front lines complemented the articles.

Although Denmark did not enter the war, its economic repercussions were felt, including in Greenland and Atuagagdliutit. To avoid financial trouble and reduce dependence on "Danish funds," Lars Møller introduced a section for paid advertisements in 1914.

Wartime events were not the only topic. From November 1917, under the header Assiliaq (Report), the paper covered events in Russia. Even the briefest updates were accompanied by photographs. Over time, the section retained its name but broadened to include reports on other countries and events.

Achievements and Honors

Møller, who served as Atuagagdliutit`s editor, translator, and Arctic explorer, frequently joined expeditions. He brought back remarkable illustrations and accounts, later published in the paper.

He ran the newspaper with dedication and passion, educating readers about their history and instilling a love for reading. Møller influenced Greenland-Denmark relations, serving as a translator for consuls and inspectors, representing Greenlanders` perspectives. His advocacy for their identity and nationality was effective. For his contributions, he was awarded the Fortjenstmedaljen silver medal in 1892 and became a Knight of the Dannebrog Order in 1917.

After 61 years of service, including 48 years as sole editor, Møller signed his final issue on April 10, 1922, before retiring. He passed the baton to Kristoffer Lynge.

Everyone Can Be a Correspondent!

Like his predecessor, Lynge began his journalism career at the printing press. During the war, from 1914-1917, he attended professional courses in Copenhagen. After returning, he managed the same printing press established by Rink. When he succeeded Møller as editor, Lynge realized he lacked journalistic training, prompting him to return to Copenhagen in 1925-1926 for further education.


Before his formal studies, Lynge did his best to manage the paper. Following Møller`s departure in April 1922, the next issue did not appear until September 1. This edition featured a more transparent layout, a new typeface, and decorative lines separating articles. As in earlier years, all numbering restarted from 1. Editorials by C. Harries, Jonathan Petersen, and Kristoffer Lynge focused on Lars Møller, whose portrait adorned the second page.

Drawing on his time in Denmark’s capital, Lynge introduced readers to the history and daily life of the country under whose monarchy Greenland fell. He printed photographs of notable figures and places, describing them himself or soliciting submissions from friends like Salomon Tobiassen, effectively making them correspondents. Domestic history articles were grouped under the title Atuagagdliutinut, the newspaper`s name.

A Pioneering Move: A Bilingual Newspaper

Over the years, the Greenlandic language evolved, becoming simpler and enriched with new vocabulary. For instance, the foreign news section, "Tamardlisit," was renamed Tamalâᑎt, still meaning everything.

Like other Greenlandic authors, Lynge avoided capital letters except in proper nouns of foreign origin. For example, uvagúme kalâtdlit qanoq iliúsaugut? (What should a Greenlander do?). Sentences began with lowercase letters, even after punctuation.

The newspaper’s publishing schedule also changed. From August 1923, it appeared monthly, though mid-year summaries and renumbering persisted. Exact dates were omitted in favor of the month alone.

Serialized novels remained a feature, but current affairs gained prominence. Lynge, deeply interested in social issues, was active in the Southern Greenland National Council and local councils. This engagement significantly influenced Atuagagdliutit’s editorial direction.

On January 25, 1926, a special issue commemorated Lars Møller, who had passed away on January 20. The entire 12-page newspaper was bilingual, with Greenlandic in the left column and Danish in the right. The Greenlandic text, written by Jørgen Chemnitz, was translated into Danish by K. Honore Petersen, the landsfoged (steward) of Southern Greenland.

The poetic opening read: The northern wind sighed over a thousand Greenlandic mountain valleys (...) and declared: old Arkaluk is dead! Roaring ice and silent snow announced to the cold, harsh mountains: the giant of Greenland has departed!

Møller was remembered again in the following issue before the paper returned to everyday topics. At the time, Denmark and Norway were disputing Greenland’s eastern regions. Meanwhile, the February issue featured a report from the Greenlandic Women’s Education Committee, advocating for women’s rights, particularly in education and health.

Kristoffer Lynge continued Atuagagdliutit’s tradition of cultural development. Alongside popular international novels, he introduced Greenlandic literature. Increasingly, articles covered events in Europe and worldwide, with notable attention to Japan and the United States.

The End of Political Oversight on Content

In July 1927, a nature section debuted in the newspaper, with the first topic discussing bird banding. This and similar subjects in future issues were covered by Dr. Alfred Bertelsen, a Danish physician who was highly knowledgeable about Greenlandic birds. He banded, described, and sometimes named them. Thanks to him, the conservation of Greenlandic nature entered Atuagagdliutit.

The newspaper served Greenlandic society by informing, educating, and shaping readers’ views. Regular contributors included Thomas Petersen, Lars Egede, and J. P. Jacob Olsen, and polar expeditions were frequently chronicled.

From the beginning, all articles passed through the hands of the South Greenland Inspector, who officially supervised the editorial team. This oversight ended in 1928, leaving the editor-in-chief responsible for editing, printing, and distribution.

The Greenlandic language, being complex with many dialects, posed challenges even for today’s artificial intelligence. In November 1930, issue 4 featured the first language section. Written by William Thalbitzer, a Danish philosopher and professor of Eskimo Studies, it aimed to explain Kalaallisut grammar in a comprehensible way. This topic reappeared frequently over the years.

For nearly a decade, Lynge published the newspaper monthly. This changed in August 1932, when Atuagagdliutit resumed a biweekly schedule with an expanded format, appearing on the 1st and 15th of each month until 1950.

The layout of the middle pages changed slightly. Columns were replaced by continuous page numbering, with issue two starting at page 9. Each page, still two-columned, featured a line separating the header from the text and the title ATUAGAGDLIUTIT in uppercase above it.

A new section, mêrartavtinut "Atuagagdliutit" (Read with Atuagagdliutit), and the first comic, an illustrated Arab tale about a lost sword, were introduced to engage younger readers.

A Missed Jubilee: 75 More Celebrated Than 70

On August 1, 1933, issue 1 featured the musical notation of a patriotic song written in 1912 by Henrik Lund, Nunarput, utorĸarssuángoravit niarĸut uligsimavoĸ ĸînik (Our land is as old as the gray hair on your head). The music was composed by K. Steensen, though Jonathan Petersen’s 1937 composition later became its iconic melody.

In July 1934, the newspaper expanded its topics to include a farming advice column, followed a year later by a sports column. Although 1931 marked the 70th anniversary of Atuagagdliutit, it passed without celebration. However, the 75th anniversary was observed with grandeur.

The 16-page issue 11, dated January 1, 1936, was entirely dedicated to this milestone. It reflected on the newspaper’s origins, creators, and editors. Alongside Lynge’s article were "jubilee tributes" by Greenlandic administrator Jens Daugaard-Jensen and authors Mathias Storch, Christian Rosing, Henrik Lund, Svane, and Jonathan Petersen. Petersen also contributed a poem for the occasion. The final two pages showcased illustrations by Aron of Kangeq. All contributors were Greenlandic writers connected to the paper.

The Threat of Occupation: German, British, and Canadian

By the 1930s, Greenland had advanced economically and culturally. In addition to polar expeditions and fishing, commerce, craftsmanship, and communication had become central to the country’s development. Atuagagdliutit reported on these topics, while Greenlanders remained informed about global events.

The newspaper frequently covered developments in Italy, Spain, and Germany. Although Greenland was geographically distant, Danish sentiments influenced the region. Atuagagdliutit published photo essays on these nations, along with commentary from Danish politicians and accounts from Greenlanders living in Denmark, often conveying pessimistic tones.

When World War II broke out, Denmark declared neutrality again, but this time, Germany ignored it. On April 9, 1940, the entire country fell under German occupation. Meanwhile, Britain took control of the Faroe Islands and Iceland (both under Danish rule). In response, Greenland’s commissioners, Eske Brun and Aksel Svane, assumed governmental authority and severed ties with Denmark. Concerned about potential occupation—by Germany, Britain, or Canada—they negotiated with the United States, resulting in the Greenland Treaty of April 1941. This agreement established American airfields and military bases, published in issue 18 on April 16, 1941 (in both languages).

News from Eastern Europe reached readers six months after the war began, accompanied by photos of bombed buildings. Monthly updates reported on the war, featured photographs, and included governmental announcements. A dedicated column, Danmarkime pisimassut (Events in Denmark), emerged, and from April 1941, news about American forces became a regular feature.

Serialized novels continued, alongside retrospectives on past expeditions (new ones were suspended due to the war) and accounts of Greenland’s past and present. The term Eskimo increasingly appeared to describe Greenland’s inhabitants, while kalâtdit nunât was gradually replaced by "Grønland."

Comics and illustrated stories disappeared during the war, and significant events were marked with bilingual issues (e.g., the King’s 70th birthday on September 15, 1940).

Post-War Realities and Positive Changes

Apart from minor incidents, such as skirmishes between German meteorological station staff and Danish patrols or the sinking of S/S "Hans Egede" by a German submarine in 1942, Greenland’s residents were safe and prospered. On January 16, 1945, issue 12 featured photo reports from nearly all fronts, predicting the war’s end. Victory was declared in issue 20 on May 16: Danmarke aniguisitauvok (Denmark’s triumph).

Subsequent months focused on Europe’s reconstruction, especially Denmark. Articles included war commentaries, loss assessments, and celebratory poems about victory and the King. Gradually, the war became a memory, and the newspaper returned to addressing Greenland’s current affairs, education, and social initiatives. Depending on the amount of news, Atuagagdliutit occasionally exceeded eight pages.

From May 1946 to May 1947, Lynge temporarily handed over the editorial reins to Ras Berthelsen (descendant of the first editor), who had collaborated with him for years. During this time, Lynge served on the Danish government’s Greenland Commission, tasked with addressing social, political, cultural, and administrative development and proposing future measures for Greenland.

In 1942, Lynge co-founded and chaired Grønlands Radio. His editorial responsibilities necessitated official support from Kield Rask Therkilsen. The newspaper’s annual accounting month also shifted to January in 1948, aligning with the new year, while page and issue numbering remained unchanged.

That same year, on January 16, issue 2 introduced Atuagagdliutit Danskside for grønlandske Børn (Danish Atuagagdliutit for Greenlandic Children). It featured a Danish-language story about a boy named Ole, prepared by Greenlandic seminarians P. Heilmann and Rosager. Subsequent installments appeared monthly.

In 1949, the newspaper debuted a new cover design (by N. Rosing) and included a poem by Hans Egede. Articles highlighted Greenland’s developing towns (e.g., Qaqortoq, Danish Julianehåb) and introduced a column about the newspaper itself. The Danarkime section focused on Danish matters in Greenland.

A Dignified 90-Year-Old Merges with Grønlandposten

In subsequent months, the front page began featuring photographs as introductions to main articles, while cultural content (music, film, fashion) expanded. The middle pages frequently hosted photo reports, and the first 1950 issue included a new section for puzzles. Atuagagdliutit evolved into a standard news publication, becoming a dignified, cultural 90-year-old threatened by emerging competition.

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In 1951, Kristoffer Lynge joined Grønlands Landsret (Greenland’s National Court). Perhaps due to his new role and staffing shortages, the newspaper was published only four times that year, each release containing three issues. Additionally, readers were surprised with a merger between Atuagagdliutit and the Danish-language Grønlandposten.

On January 1, 1952, the bilingual Greenlandic newspaper Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten launched. It featured 20 pages, maintained Atuagagdliutit’s numbering, and included articles in both languages. The paper had two editors-in-chief: Helge Christensen and Kristoffer Lynge.

The editorial outlined the publication’s plans and goals:

• It would be published twice weekly (daily in the future).
• It aimed to serve all Greenlanders, including those abroad.
• It would inform and educate.
• Its circulation would increase to 2,500 copies.
• Unfortunately, it would no longer be free.

Readers were promised more national correspondents and a rejuvenated editorial team. Contributors included readers themselves, who wrote about their region’s concerns or achievements.

Subsequent issues featured more advertisements, reports, and a return to showcasing literature and poetry. Domestic and international news intertwined, while the "Read with Atuagagdliutit" section remained exclusively in Greenlandic. A new Atuagkat (Books) section summarized and recommended recent publications.

From March 1952, the AG (a newly adopted abbreviation) editorial team temporarily welcomed young journalist Jørgen Fleischer, substituting for Kristoffer Lynge, who took a year-long leave.

Bilingual AG: A Bullseye

The bilingual issues of AG were well-received by society, and even the fact that they came with a price did not deter readers. They understood the circumstances—expensive paper, the need to pay editors and correspondents, especially foreign ones, and the importance of balancing profits and losses. Everyone appreciated that the newspaper was evolving, expanding its topics, and covering even the most remote corners of the country. The idea of comic humor introduced in issue 9 on April 23, 1952, became a permanent feature, along with a section for brief domestic news, avangnânit kijatânut/Fra nord til syd (From north to south).

Once AG had established itself in the market, editor Helge Christensen left in September 1953, leaving the editorial office in the hands of Palle Brandt. Jørgen Fleischer also left but returned a year later. Issue 21, dated October 8, was prepared by the new editor, with contributions from Udl Kristiansen. The newspaper’s appearance changed slightly, with articles in different fonts depending on the language, as well as varying styles for titles and notes. More feminine topics, especially fashion, were introduced, while men enjoyed expanded sports coverage.

In June 1953, Greenland celebrated its new constitution, which included several laws related to the country and granted its representatives seats in the Danish Parliament. However, by the end of the year, the nation was grappling with a polio pandemic.

This crisis led to printing restrictions for A/G in 1954. Only eight issues were released, the last on April 8, after which the newspaper went silent until January 13, 1955. Before the hiatus, the January 14, 1954 issue introduced a comic corner featuring the adventures of the bear cub Rasmus Klump—the first Danish cartoon translated into Greenlandic. Created by Carl and Wilhelm Hansen in 1951 as a text-based comic, it returned in the new children’s section on January 13, 1955, when AG resumed publication with changes to its design.

Gone was the photograph; the front page was devoted to domestic and global politics. Navigation moved to the bottom left corner, page headers disappeared, and page numbers were placed at the bottom, starting fresh with each issue. Sections were categorized thematically. Pages two and three were dedicated to domestic and local news, with some section headers featuring updated graphics (Fra nord til syd).


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Subsequent pages included thematic articles, reports, a business section, a sports column, and editorials. The final two pages were reserved for humor: Rasmus Klump and a story for children, alongside a Cozy Corner, K’uianartukujuit/Det lune hjørne, featuring illustrated stories, jokes, and comics for adults.

The revamped Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandposten also introduced its staff by name. The main office in Nuuk/Godthåb was managed by two editors, Palle Brandt and Uvdl Kristiansen, with Jørgen Fleischer’s support. Additionally, 19 correspondents worked across 14 districts, and readers who shared regional stories were included in a special section, atuartartut agdlagait/Breve fra læserne (Letters from readers). Over time, these letters were sorted thematically and, from 1957, published under a common header: X.

Dreams of Greenlandic Autonomy

The newspaper also had a representative in Copenhagen—former editor Helge Christensen. In 1956, the team welcomed a new foreign correspondent, Peter Freuchen, based in the United States.

Palle Brandt managed the paper until 1957, introducing innovations and expanding existing sections. In 1955, sports received its dedicated section, Sportsrubrikken/timerssornek. Polar expeditions returned, covered in the section Langs Polarcirklen/nunat kaperdlagtartumitut (Around the Polar Circle). The commentary section, oqauserissat agdlauserissatdlo/Sagt og skrevet (Said and Written), grew, and a photography corner, FOTO, was launched.

During holidays, more space was devoted to children, while the newspaper continued documenting Greenland’s history. A/G was published twice monthly and occasionally featured color, such as the Danish flag, advertisements for new Greenlandic symbols in sticker form, or special holiday editions. Color had been absent since the war, and readers appreciated the gesture.

At the end of August 1957, Jørgen Fleischer took over the Greenlandic section. On January 17, 1958, he supported the new editor-in-chief, Jørgen Felbo, who bid farewell to his predecessor with these words: ...created a magazine that is versatile, professional, and popular among Greenland’s residents. (A-G, 17.01.1957).

Felbo managed the paper for two years, a challenging period. Critics accused him of neglecting Greenland’s pressing issues, disrespecting readers, and succumbing to Danish influence. However, the editorial team defended him, arguing that his Danish origins and lack of Greenlandic language skills were unfairly targeted.

The tension reflected Greenland’s growing discontent with Danish governance, with increasing calls for autonomy. Felbo, while less confrontational, addressed these topics in editorials and fought for the newspaper.

Reader Debates and... Competitor Criticism

At the start of 1959, AG announced that a batch of newspapers sent to Denmark had been lost. Issue 1 of that year compiled articles from issues 24 and 25 of the previous year, alongside current content. The editor sought understanding and feedback on the format and the newspaper overall. A flood of letters followed, not all favorable. Felbo responded:

No magazine wants all its readers to praise it in every aspect. General satisfaction often means general boredom and lack of engagement. It’s good when a magazine sparks discussion, and sharp criticism is seen by the editorial team as a sign that readers are paying attention to it.

He addressed harsh criticisms publicly, sparking heated debates. Competitors joined in, with the local magazine Sermitsiak claiming, A/G has lost its pure and honest Greenlandic tone. Too much entertainment, too few informative and thematic articles. Some Greenlandic politicians echoed these sentiments. However, many readers defended the newspaper and its editor. Felbo persevered, explaining, writing, and advocating for A/G—even as the controversy reached the Danish Parliament.

Despite the challenges, Felbo continued his work. In November 1958, he introduced a radio section, Radioen og Lytterne/radio nâlaortutdlo (Radio and Listeners), featuring a weekly program schedule and commentary. As with his predecessors, he oversaw A/G’s radio news service, with Ellen Ingemann Nielsen leading the section.

During this period, the paper added a column by Peter Nielsen, Tunuliarneq, covering East Greenland. In 1959, a guide for addressing various life challenges, inûsugtunut túngassut (Help on the Way), was introduced. The year concluded with a feature, Året i Glimt/ukiok manapisimassumerngit (The Year in Highlights), summarizing the year’s events with colorful paper, numerous photos, and brief notes.

On February 7, 1959, a special issue was published. MS “Hans Hedtoft,” a new Greenlandic cargo-passenger ship, collided with an iceberg on January 30 and sank. No one survived. Among the victims were two A/G journalists: Andreas Kjær and Peter Sørensen. It was the ship’s maiden voyage.

Opponents Succeed: Editor-in-Chief Steps Down

The campaign against the editor-in-chief led to his departure in April 1960. A young 34-year-old journalist, Erik Erngaard, took over the editorial office. The Greenlandic team members, Hans Janussen and Jørgen Fleischer, warmly bid farewell to the departing editor in the newspaper`s pages. Vagn Michaelsen, editor-in-chief of Journalisten and a member of the Copenhagen Journalists` Association, also defended him and A/G.


Erik Erngaard, despite his young age, had already worked for several Danish newspapers. He was selected by the Greenland Ministry from 10 candidates. His first issue of A/G was No. 7, released on April 29, 1960.

He adhered to the principles of his predecessors but introduced changes:

• expanded the newspaper`s format
• increased the number of pages
• boosted circulation (1,700 copies)
• emphasized photo features

In June, he introduced a column of world curiosities, Fra hele verden, with short notes. These included quotes from notable figures and occasional humor. Through the newspaper and radio, he organized contests and quizzes, such as the November 1960 Lytter- Rundspørge/nâlaortunut tamanutaperqutit (Listener Quiz). In 1961, he published a supplement three times, Billden Nyt/ássilisat nuyât (New Photos), featuring global events in pictures.

Mindful of his predecessor`s challenges, Erngaard devoted much of the content to Greenland and its issues. He wrote extensively about the lack of skilled police personnel, the influence of the church on national politics, fishing challenges, and the education of Greenlandic children. His tenure`s biggest challenge was celebrating the newspaper`s centenary.

On January 1, 1961, a special anniversary issue of Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten was published. It spanned 112 pages, blending history with contemporary content. It honored both past and present contributors. Articles were adorned with old photographs and colorful illustrations by Aron from Kangeq. The issue included congratulations, well-wishes, and even a telegram from Denmark’s King Frederik.

The issue emphasized that A/G was a Greenlandic-Danish magazine, not the reverse, and requested that future editors speak Greenlandic. The Greenland Council gifted the editorial office a machine for developing photo plates and reproducing them directly in the newspaper, ending the reliance on Denmark for this process. Awards and a jubilee reception were highlighted in the following issue.

The anniversary also reflected on Greenland’s transformations, its development, and flourishing culture and arts. Issues and conflicts were avoided to let the sun shine.

A New Perspective on Greenland

Erik Erngaard left Greenland and A/G in May 1962, handing the editorial reins to Greenlander Jørgen Fleischer. Fleischer first joined A/G in 1952, leaving a year later to gain experience in Danish newspapers. He returned permanently in 1957, working for both radio and A/G.

He ran the newspaper for 25 years. While he did not surpass the records of Lars Møller or Kristoffer Lynge, he earned the moniker The Old Editor and was dubbed Greenland’s Memory.

Being Greenlandic, he deeply understood his compatriots’ struggles, especially those relocated to cities. For them, starting in October (A/G, September 27, 1962), he began publishing a housing guide, Boligsseriens, detailing how to organize small apartments or build affordable urban homes. His articles guided readers on how to adapt to places they did not wish to be, addressing the challenges many Greenlanders faced.

He dedicated significant space to children’s education, social issues, and public health. He encouraged fishermen to form cooperatives and others to pursue personal goals. For younger audiences, he introduced a music corner showcasing global records (these were also played on the radio) and, from 1963, devoted an entire page to Nye film i Grønland/filmit Kalâtdlit-nunãnukartut (New Films in Greenland). He also launched an independent sports section, Sporten, managed by Kaj Morning.

The Editorial Office Proves Critics Wrong

The 1960s were marked by the Cold War, space exploration, and technological advancements. These topics resonated with Greenlanders, with A/G introducing a Teknik og Videnskab/teknik ilisimatusarnerdlo (Technology and Science) section. Experts such as Svend Fugl and Ebbe Mørk contributed to it.

From 1965, a foreign commentary section, Udenrigs-Orientering/nunanut avdlanut túngassumerngit (Foreign Orientation), and a special page for women, Husmodersiden/igdlume ningiunut (Housewife`s Page), were introduced.

Though color was not unfamiliar to the newspaper, it rarely appeared. Colorful supplements and holiday issues were exceptions. From 1964, colors began appearing in regular issues, first in advertisements, then in headlines. In December 1965 (A/G, December 9), an article titled The Land Erik the Red Saw—Greenland featured stunning, high-quality color photographs by the editor himself, a passionate photographer.

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In March 1966, an educational section, Uddannelsesnyt/ilíniartitaunermit nutârsiagssat (Educational Updates), was launched, led by P. Bo Christiansen. From January to August 1968, the new Greenlandic Penal Code was published.

For years, a reader letters section, Fra læserne/atuartartut agdlagait (From Readers), featured sharp comments (encouraged), questions to the editorial office, and opinions. The Read with Atuagagdliutit column shifted to book reviews instead of serialized stories.

In January 1969, the layout of the newspaper’s middle pages was updated. Changes included new fonts, backgrounds, better paper, and more color photographs. By the decade’s end, A/G and its editor had proven to critics that the newspaper was truly Greenlandic and for Greenlanders.

Broader Horizons and an Expanded Team

The 1970s brought significant changes to Greenland. In 1972, alongside Denmark, it joined the EEC, despite 70% of its population opposing the move. Three years later, a commission was established to grant the island self-governance, effective May 1, 1979. Greenland gained control over education, healthcare, labor, and industry, while foreign and defense policies remained under Danish jurisdiction.

Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten covered and commented on all these developments, addressing challenging questions and sharing in readers’ joys. The newspaper gradually evolved. Some sections disappeared, others were restructured, and new topics and issues emerged.

• Danish language education was introduced (February 1970)
• The text layout was changed (November 1973)
• Monthly editions were increased (1974)
• An advertising department was established (April 1974)
• A/G became an independent institution with its own statute and supervisory board (A/G No. 35, September 4, 1975)
• A visual redesign was implemented (1976)
• The budget was reduced due to staff shortages, resulting in fewer pages (1977)
• An office was opened in Copenhagen (September 1977)

Despite difficulties in 1977 and conflicts with the ministry, the 1970s were a success. The newspaper broadened its horizons and... expanded its team. The core contributors included:

• Hans Janussen
• Jens Brønden
• Jørgen Holst Jørgensen
• Benthe Hjorth Christiansen
• Torben Lodberg and Karen Nielsen, correspondents in Copenhagen

This small team, supported by national correspondents spread across the country, produced a professional and insightful newspaper, addressing all matters concerning their nation and fellow citizens. When Greenland gained autonomy in 1979, A/G began transitioning to self-government funding.

A/G Achieves National Newspaper Status

Jørgen Fleischer led the editorial office until 1987. At the beginning of the new decade, he reorganized the newspaper`s layout. He reduced the number of advertisements, sorted and categorized those that remained, and, due to limited pages, reduced font sizes, discontinued serialized novels, and limited article lengths. Content that could not fit into regular issues was published in cultural supplements, A/G Extra, and regional editions (the first was Uummannak). He also updated the graphics for most sections.

The following years brought challenges, mainly financial ones, prompting price increases, a return of advertisements, and a reduction in the number of correspondents to seven regions. Ever-resourceful, Fleischer sought funding wherever possible to maintain the newspaper`s quality and satisfy readers. Before retiring in July 1987, A/G had 40 pages, national newspaper status, the A-G Debat column, and a full-time photographer, Louise Inger Lyberth.

Jørgen Fleischer passed away on June 27, 2012, in Nuuk, one day before his 88th birthday. The legacy of the "Old Editor" was passed to Danish journalist Philip Lauritzen.

Although Lauritzen was Danish, he had been connected to Greenland since 1972 and had worked at A/G from 1979 to 1982, making him less of an outsider. He brought journalistic experience from several newspapers and editorial positions. The board hoped his youthful energy would help tackle competition, especially from the growing electronic media market, the challenges of new Greenlandic orthography, and declining circulation.

Lauritzen performed admirably. In his first issue as editor, he introduced new sections: Inuit (Inuit profiles) and Tipsi/Tips-fodbold (Football Tips), managed by renowned football expert Jørgen Kirk.

Responding to concerns about another Dane at the helm, two young Norwegian journalists, Kate Hansen and Naja Karlsen, joined the editorial team. Lauritzen also added Bingo to the newspaper, and by 1991, circulation rose to 6,000, successfully countering competition.

In 1988, at the ministry`s request, the newspaper began publishing three times a week, with varying page counts (32 on Wednesdays, 16 on Mondays and Fridays) and different colors (red, blue, and green). A weekend edition was also released weekly. The header was redesigned with large "AG" and smaller titles stacked beneath. While the paper quality was thinner due to a change in printers, distribution significantly improved, ensuring same-day delivery.

Lauritzen tackled all topics, even taboo ones. Greenlandic issues of the 1990s, like sex and fighting AIDS, were openly addressed in A/G, complete with humorous drawings and bold photographs.

A Female Duo Takes the Helm

After six years, in June 1993, the newspaper`s publication frequency changed to twice a week, on Tuesdays (red issue) and Thursdays (blue issue), with 24 pages per issue. From October, typography and some headers were updated—changes implemented by a new editorial duo: Laila Ramlau-Hansen and Marta Labansen, who joined the main editorial team on July 1.

The duo applied as a team and was accepted as such. Hansen became A/G’s editor-in-chief, while Labansen managed administration. Their teamwork flourished, especially as the newspaper`s finances improved. Comprehensive articles, concise columns, and a focus on social issues brought positive results. The paper was visually appealing, substantial, and family-friendly, attracting a broader female readership.


In April 1996, Laila Ramlau-Hansen swapped roles with her deputy, Jens Brønden, as she became a mother. Brønden, with a three-year contract as editor-in-chief, had joined A/G in 1968, spent 12 years with the editorial team, then worked in television and his agency before returning to the newspaper in 1991.

Brønden, a witness to A/G’s transformations, led the paper into the new millennium. During his tenure, the newspaper gained more color, new staff, and updated offices. Typewriters were replaced with computers, and letters were exchanged for emails. By 2000, the editorial team had nine journalists, including two foreign correspondents (in Denmark and France), and a circulation of 4,000.

Brønden led the editorial office until 2005, earning a reputation for sharp and biting commentary. In February 2001, he introduced these commentaries to A/G’s new digital version.

In January 2005, Laila Ramlau-Hansen returned as editor-in-chief. At that time, A/G was still published twice a week: Tuesdays as an informational newspaper (24–32 pages) and Thursdays as an information-weekend edition (32–48 pages), now in full color.

Merger with Sermitsiaq

In 2007, A/G’s online presence was revamped, with its website renamed www.ag.gl. The editorial office was led by Stina Skifte, who assumed the position in January. A year later, she was succeeded by Inga Dóra G. Markusen.

Markusen, formerly editor of the women’s magazine Arnanut and a staff member at competitor Sermitsiaq, played a role in merging the latter with A/G. On November 13, 2009, the two editorial teams merged, and on January 1, 2010, the two publications officially combined into a single entity named Sermitsiaq.AG.

The merger was driven by financial concerns and declining circulation. Both publications retained their identities but shared a website, www.sermitsiaq.ag, from December 9, 2009. From that point, A/G began publishing weekly.

In January 2011, Markusen led celebrations for the newspaper`s 150th anniversary. A special 56-page issue featured the history of the "venerable title," adorned with a shining sun, which symbolized the publication for months. The front page showcased iconic covers from past years, while the interior highlighted memories, profiles of early editors, significant events, and both warm and critical reflections. Heidi Møller lamented the merger with Sermitsiaq, calling it a "forced marriage characterized by many children gathered under one roof," and referred to the editor-in-chief as "a multitasking robot."

In January, they celebrated the anniversary, and in August, they welcomed a new editor-in-chief. Christian Schultz-Lorentzen, a seasoned journalist with 16 years of experience in the publishing house, led A/G for the next 12 years.

In 2017, Schultz-Lorentzen took over as head of the entire publishing house. In April 2023, he resigned from all positions, explaining, "I’ve turned 65, but I’m still full of energy, so I’ve decided to channel my professional efforts elsewhere. I’m stepping down."

This decision surprised everyone, including readers, but it was respected. In October 2023, journalist Jette Andersen assumed leadership of the main editorial office.

While Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten is referred to as a "newspaper," it resembles a colorful magazine, featuring extensive articles on various topics, photo reports, advice, and several specialized supplements. As in its early years, the 163-year-old publication remains a weekly, with the slogan: "A week without AG is not a real week."

Atuagagdliutit Grønlandsposten Timeline:

• 1861, January 1 - First issue of Atuagagdliutit published
• 1861, May - 1862, July - Publishing hiatus
• 1862, August - Became a bi-weekly
• 1865, April - First supplement
• 1867, September - Initial design changes
• 1889 - First global news column, Tamardlisit
• 1900, October 4 - First photo published
• 1911 - 50th anniversary celebration
• 1926, January 25 - First bilingual edition
• 1928 - End of government text oversight
• 1932, August - Resumed bi-weekly schedule and introduced picture stories
• 1952, January 1 - Atuagagdliutit merged with Grønlandsposten to become A/G
• 2009, December 9 - Editorial merger with Sermitsiaq
• 2010, January 1 - Sermitsiaq.AG officially launched
• 2011, January - 150th anniversary celebration
• 2023, October - Jette Andersen becomes editor-in-chief

Sources:

• https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Lars_Peter_Silas_Mathæus_Møller
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten
• https://nuukkunstmuseum.com/kal/rasmus-berthelsen-1827-1901-2/
• https://timarit.is/page/3771154#page/n0/mode/2up
• https://denstoredanske.lex.dk/Atuagagdliutit_Grønlandsposten
• https://denstoredanske.lex.dk/Lars_Møller
• https://arcticcentre.ulapland.fi/polarweb/plc/pdf/plc02_full.pdf
• https://blogs.loc.gov/international-collections/2016/11/atuagagdliutit-the-first-inuit-newspaper-published-in-greenland-kaltdlit-nunt/grnlnd1a/
• https://sismo.inha.fr/s/en/item/6922
• https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Kristoffer_Lynge
• https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Alfred_Bertelsen
• https://biografiskleksikon.lex.dk/Jens_Daugaard-Jensen
• https://kamikposten.dk/lokal/last/container/da/hvadermeningen/pdf/eske_brun_og_det_moderne_groenlands_tilblivelse.pdf
• https://danmarkshistorien.dk/vis/materiale/de-groenlandske-modernister-ca-1930-70
• https://sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/jorgen-fleischer-er-dod/241362
• https://politiken.dk/navne/doedsfald/art5394641/Jørgen-Fleischer
• https://finans.dk/medier/aviser/article4829329.ece?service=printversion
• https://sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/sermitsiaqag-skal-have-ny-direktor/183166
• https://sermitsiaq.ag/samfund/mediehuset-finder-ny-redaktor-internt-i-huset-til-ag/183218