Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis

(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)

Alexandra Pascalidou is a Greek of the diaspora; she carries a dual heritage that’s as challenging as beautiful. She sees this journey as a way to embody Greece’s deep-rooted wisdom and Sweden’s egalitarian values. Whether through TV shows like Eurovision, documentaries, books or her upcoming play at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, she aims to reflect these values. Her work is driven by a sense of purpose she inherited from her grandparents, who sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. Alexandra celebrates the stories, values and resilience that connect all Greeks!

Can you share your journey into journalism and what inspired you to pursue this career?

Growing up in a tiny God-forgotten Greek village with my grandparents and then in the poorest suburb in Sweden, I was surrounded by stories, myths and tales of wars and struggles, hardship and resilience. So, journalism became my way to amplify voices, tell untold stories and seek justice in a world that doesn’t always value lives. Through projects like What’s Wrong with the Greeks? I managed to bring nuances and complexity to the Greek Crisis that too often was explained in media with simplified stereotypes about lazy Greeks.

As a journalist and a change-maker, how do you balance your role in the media with your work for democracy?

There is no democracy without free journalism and trustworthy news. Whether I’m filming a documentary, presenting a show, giving a motivational speech on a global stage or working on my upcoming play at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, I want to amplify the voices that have been silenced and turn the lights to the shadows. My TV show, with seven episodes on Swedish TV, The Mothers in the Shadow of Violence, was a mission to give voice to women who lost their kids in shootings. My work is rooted in the belief that democracy and equality aren’t just ideals; they are urgent necessities and each story I tell is a step towards that.

What challenges have you faced as a female journalist in a predominantly male industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been pushing against the labels others tried to impose on me. When I entered media, I was often told I was “too loud,” “too passionate,” or “too outspoken”-labels meant to tame or limit me. They’ve been trying to transform me and to reduce me to sweet and sexy, they tried to put me in boxes-but I broke the walls and their balls and I even managed to make space for others.

You have hosted various TV programs; what do you find most rewarding about being in front of the camera?

The most rewarding part is the human connection. Hosting Eurovision and the Olympic Games was thrilling because it allowed me to bring both my Greek and Swedish identities to a global stage. It was a unification and a celebration of everything I love about both cultures. In my talk shows, I’ve had the chance to interview legends from Maradona to presidents and prime ministers to homeless humans and I learned so much from them. Learning is life!

Being in front of the camera is a chance to bridge worlds, inspire, empower and connect.

How do you approach storytelling in your documentaries, such as They Call Us Beggars and The Mothers in the Shadow of Violence and what messages do you hope to convey?

Storytelling starts with genuine curiosity and empathy. In projects like They Call Us Beggars, I wanted to shift the conversation from stigmatizing stereotypes to understanding to show that labels like “beggars” are often rooted in systemic issues. With The Mothers in the Shadow of Violence, I felt a profound responsibility to lift these marginalized mothers. Each project has one goal: to connect people, make the invisible visible and challenge our assumptions and prejudices about each other.

Your work often touches on themes of diversity and inclusion. How do you think the media can better represent marginalized communities?

As Greeks with roots in the cradle of democracy, we have a duty to discuss and defend democracy. Democracy demands diversity and inclusion and the media needs to stop “othering” people.

First, we need to drop the “othering” mentality and instead focus on connecting communities. Real inclusion means representation that is authentic, not tokenistic and allows these communities to tell their own stories. I hope that with my upcoming play “The Fathers” at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, I can bring this perspective into another realm, where we can challenge, entertain and create an understanding of toxic masculinity and the consequences of the absent fathers.

Can you discuss a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your perspective on journalism?

The first hate letter I received as a young journalist was a pivotal moment. The tsunami of hate I received only because I presented myself as being proud of being 100 % Greek and 100 % Swedish was ridiculous. It was a reminder that fighting for equality and democracy would come with costs and risks. Being a warrior of light means you don’t give up due to darkness or fear. Since then, every project I have undertaken and every story I tell is fueled by the fight for democracy and justice.

What role does social media play in modern journalism and how has it impacted your work?

Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is an amplifier and has allowed me to share my work with a global audience, which is vital for a journalist. But on the other hand, it often turns journalists into easy targets. For me, it’s a reminder of the importance of credibility, fact-checking and honest reporting. I see it as a tool for democracy, one that gives a voice to the voiceless, but only if we use it responsibly. Social media is a powerful tool connection tool but also a space where hate can flourish.

You’ve been involved in various charitable initiatives; which causes are closest to your heart and why?

Women’s rights and children’s rights and education are closest to my heart. Growing up in a poor immigrant family in Sweden, I witnessed the barriers kids from marginalized backgrounds face in accessing quality education. Education is the cornerstone of equality, so I support initiatives that give every child a fair start. This isn’t charity; it’s about philanthropy and human rights and a key part of any functioning democracy. I believe privileges come with duties. With my success story from zero to hero, from a nobody to somebody with a big platform, it is my duty to add to humanity’s well-being!

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of journalism, especially concerning democracy and human rights?

I want journalism to return to its roots as the protector of truth and to build bridges between people by facilitating dialogue and understanding in times of misunderstandings. In today’s climate of misinformation, journalism must take a bold stand for democracy, equality, diversity and human rights. I hope future journalists remember that each story they tell is part of a larger tapestry, one that has the power to protect or harm democracy. Journalism has always been democracy in action and I’m hopeful that we can continue to shape societies that are fairer, inclusive and just to more than a few!