Every spring for the past six years, millions of people have tuned in to a round-the-clock livestream of elk on the move in northern Sweden. "The Great Moose Migration" tracks the animals as they swim across the Angerman River and make their annual journey toward greener, summer pastures. This year's 24-hour programme from SVT Play, the streaming platform for Sweden's national broadcaster, began on Tuesday - a week ahead of schedule because of the warmer weather this April. The broadcast has become a "slow TV" phenomenon, cultivating a loyal fanbase since its inception in 2019. Cait Borjesson, 60, who has been hooked tothe annual livestreamsince she stumbled upon it during the Covid-19 pandemic, said her TV had been on for 16 straight hours since it began on Tuesday. "It's unbelievably relaxing," she said. "There's the natural sounds of the birds, the wind, the trees. It gives you a sense that you're in nature even if you're not". For Cait, watching the migration has become a yearly tradition, so much so that she books time off work to fully immerse herself in the three-week broadcast. She said the stream was "like therapy" which had helped her anxiety and panic attacks. And she is not alone. SVT's livestream has a wide audience, including a Facebook group boasting more than 77,000 members who come together to share their memorable moments, emotional reactions to the broadcast and their shared fascination of the migration. A major part of their journey captured by SVT is through the village of Kullberg in northern Sweden, next to the Angerman. The animals are known as moose in North America, and elk in Europe. Goran Ericsson, dean of the faculty of forest sciences at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and science advisor for the broadcast, said the elk migrate back to the summer ranges after aggregating in spots with better temperatures in the winter. "Historically, this migration has been going on since the ice age," he said. "During spring and summer, moose are more evenly spread out in the landscape." He added that around 95% of the elk in northern Sweden migrate annually, adding that early migrations were not new with this year's prompted by less snow on the ground. "Early springs happen occasionally," he said. "We're still within the normal range of variation." More than 30 cameras are used to capture the elk as they move through the vast landscapes, he added. The show drew in nearly a million people during its launch in 2019, before garnering nine million viewers in 2024. Minh-Xuan Truong, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences who has surveyed viewers of the livestream, said in a fast-paced media environment, people enjoy experiencing nature through this "slow TV" style - a genre characterised by long, un-edited and real-time broadcasts. "A lot of people say it's like an open window to a forest," he says. "When you ask them if they would prefer having music in the background, or commentary, they say they prefer just having the sound of the wind, the birds and trees." Sweden's woodlands are home to about 300,000 elk. The animal is known in the Scandinavian country as "King of the Forest". Sign up for our Future Earth newsletterto keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK?Sign up to our international newsletter here.
Millions watch as Swedish elk begin annual migration
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Annual Elk Migration Livestream Draws Millions of Viewers in Sweden"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Every spring, millions of viewers tune in to a continuous livestream of elk migration in northern Sweden, an event known as "The Great Moose Migration." This year, the broadcast commenced a week earlier than usual due to unseasonably warm weather, marking the sixth consecutive year of this captivating program on SVT Play, the streaming service of Sweden's national broadcaster. The livestream tracks the elk as they traverse the Angerman River, journeying to summer pastures. This phenomenon of 'slow TV' has developed a dedicated following since its inception in 2019, with individuals like Cait Borjesson, who discovered the livestream during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing how the natural sounds and serene visuals provide a therapeutic escape from daily life. Cait has made it a tradition to take time off work to fully engage with the broadcast, which she describes as "unbelievably relaxing" and akin to therapy for her anxiety. The popularity of the livestream is further evidenced by a Facebook group with over 77,000 members, where fans share their experiences and emotional connections to the migration.
The migration of elk, known as moose in North America, is a significant event that has been occurring since the ice age, according to Goran Ericsson, a science advisor for the broadcast. He notes that about 95% of the elk in northern Sweden partake in this annual journey, which is influenced by weather conditions such as reduced snow cover. Although some viewers may have concerns about the timing of the migration, Ericsson reassures that early migrations are not uncommon and fall within the normal variation of the species' behavior. The livestream employs over 30 cameras to capture the elk's movements through the vast and picturesque landscapes of Sweden, an area that is home to around 300,000 elk, often referred to as the "King of the Forest." Researcher Minh-Xuan Truong highlights the appeal of this slow-paced viewing experience in a fast-paced media landscape, noting that many viewers prefer the authentic sounds of nature over background music or commentary, further enhancing their connection to the natural world.
TruthLens AI Analysis
This story about Sweden’s annual elk migration livestream captures a growing cultural fascination with "slow TV" and nature-based content. At first glance, it appears to be a lighthearted piece celebrating wildlife and human connection to the natural world. However, a deeper analysis reveals layers of intent, audience targeting, and potential underlying narratives.
Audience Engagement and Emotional Appeal
The article emphasizes the therapeutic and communal aspects of the broadcast, citing viewers like Cait Borjesson, who describe it as anxiety-relieving and immersive. This framing aligns with broader trends promoting mindfulness and digital detoxes, suggesting the piece aims to resonate with audiences seeking escapism from modern stressors. The mention of a 77,000-member Facebook group underscores its success in fostering a shared experience, which could subtly promote SVT Play’s platform as a unifying cultural force.
Timing and Environmental Subtext
The migration’s early start due to warmer weather is noted, hinting at climate change without explicit commentary. This could serve as a soft introduction to environmental discourse, leveraging the elk’s journey to gently raise awareness. By avoiding overt activism, the piece maintains broad appeal while nudging viewers toward ecological reflection.
Cultural and Economic Implications
The phenomenon’s popularity highlights a niche market for "slow TV," potentially influencing media strategies globally. If replicated, such content could shift advertising models toward long-form, ad-supported nature programming. Economically, it may boost Swedish tourism or local businesses near Kullberg, though the article omits this angle.
Manipulation and Trustworthiness
The story is low-risk and fact-based, with no evident manipulation. Its focus on positive human-nature interactions lacks political or divisive undertones, making it highly credible. However, the omission of criticisms (e.g., disruption to elk habitats or viewer overconsumption) suggests a curated, one-sided portrayal.
AI and Narrative Influence
While the writing style doesn’t flagrantly suggest AI generation, its repetitive emphasis on viewer testimonials and ecological tidbits could reflect algorithmic content optimization for engagement. If AI tools were used, they likely amplified emotional hooks (e.g., "like therapy") to maximize shareability.
Global and Market Relevance
The story has minimal direct impact on geopolitics or markets, though it indirectly promotes Sweden’s soft power as a steward of nature. It appeals most to environmentally conscious demographics, wellness communities, and public media advocates.
Final Verdict
The article is overwhelmingly reliable, with minor bias toward glorifying the broadcast. Its manipulative potential lies in selective storytelling, not deception. Rating:
95% trustworthy
.