Overview
Lena Smedsaas (20 March 1951 – 6 January 2014) was a Swedish journalist and writer best known for her long career as a political commentator, presenter and editor for TV4Nyheterna on the commercial channel TV4. Born in Solna Municipality, she entered journalism in the early 1970s and became a recognizable presence in Swedish broadcast news over several decades.
Career and roles
Smedsaas began working in journalism in 1973. Over the years she fulfilled several functions common to television news professionals: reporting on current affairs, conducting interviews with politicians, providing analysis of parliamentary developments and contributing to editorial decisions for newscasts. Colleagues and viewers remembered her for a clear on-air delivery and steady handling of political stories.
Professional characteristics
Her work combined factual reporting with interpretive commentary aimed at helping viewers understand complex political issues. As an editor and presenter she balanced the duties of shaping news coverage and presenting it on camera. Her role illustrates the dual responsibilities many broadcast journalists carry: gathering and verifying information, then explaining its relevance to a general audience.
Personal life and death
Smedsaas was born in Solna Municipality. She was married to writer and journalist Claes-Göran Kjellander and had two children. Lena Smedsaas died of cancer on 6 January 2014 in Täby. Reports about her illness noted that she succumbed to cancer at the age of 62.
Legacy and context
Within Swedish media, Smedsaas is remembered as a steady voice in political reporting during a period of change for broadcast news, including the rise of commercial television and 24-hour news cycles. Her career reflects the evolution of television journalism in Sweden from the 1970s onward and the growing prominence of commentators who both report and analyze public affairs.
- Known for: political commentary, presenting, editorial work
- Active from: 1973 (journalism career start)
- Affiliation: TV4Nyheterna (TV4)
Smedsaas's professional life illustrates how journalists can shape public understanding of politics through a combination of reporting, editorial oversight and televised explanation. Her death prompted remembrances in Swedish news media about her contributions to political coverage and broadcasting.