NORDIC 
MEDIA POLICY

The Norwegian government has introduced a new strategy aimed at strengthening democratic discourse. In Denmark, proposals to establish a state-funded media ombudsman with legal authority have generated considerable debate. In Sweden, recent studies indicate a decline in digital media use among young children. The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications is to prepare a memorandum on how the domestic media sector can remain sustainable in the future. These developments, among others, are addressed in this edition of Nordic Media Policy.

National strategy for a healthy public debate in Norway

The Norwegian government recently presented a national strategy to promote an open and informed public debate. The strategy is grounded in the constitutional duty of the authorities to safeguard freedom of expression for all. It is organised around the various ways in which public authorities enable both freedom of expression and a transparent, well-informed public sphere. Key areas of focus include the infrastructure underpinning freedom of expression, the cultivation of a healthy culture of debate, and measures to counter the distortion and manipulation of public opinion.

Danish proposal for a media ombudsman faces criticism

The Danish government’s proposal to establish a state-funded media ombudsman with legal authority has attracted criticism. As reported by Journalisten (DK) and other media outlets, three former Ministers of Culture have raised concerns that the measure could weaken press freedom. Similar reservations have also been expressed by several Nordic media organisations, including the Icelandic Union of Journalists, the Finnish Media Federation, and the Association of Norwegian Editors.

Changing media landscape poses challenges for domestic media in Finland

Earlier this autumn, Sanoma Media Finland announced that its news outlets plan to significantly reduce, or cease altogether, their use of the Finnish News Agency’s (FNB) newswire and photo services. In response, Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne (the Finns Party) convened a roundtable in September to discuss the future of the domestic media sector. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is now preparing, as an official assignment, an assessment memorandum on how the Finnish media landscape can remain sustainable in the future. The memorandum will provide an overview of the current situation and possible scenarios, with a particular focus on the competitiveness of domestic media companies.

TV4 to leave the Swedish terrestrial network

From the beginning of next year, Sweden’s TV4 will no longer broadcast via the terrestrial network. As a result, the channel will not remain freely available to households that access television through an aerial. For viewers watching TV4 via cable, satellite, or municipal networks, no changes will occur. Instead, the broadcaster is shifting its focus to its streaming service, TV4 Play. According to TV4’s managing director, Mathias Berg, the decision is also motivated by economic considerations. The move is expected to lead to increased costs for the public service broadcasters, Swedish Television (SVT) and Swedish Radio (SR).

Study on the prominence of Finnish media services initiated 

The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications has initiated a project to prepare a study on ways to enhance the prominence of domestic media services, in accordance with the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The aim of this regulation is to improve the discoverability of such services on smart devices and within digital platforms, including the operating systems of smart televisions.

Tighter AI regulations proposed in Denmark

In Denmark, it may become more difficult to upload and share copyright-protected material on AI platforms and services. This recommendation has been put forward by the Danish Expert Group on Copyright and AI in a report to the government. The group suggests, for example, technical solutions to prevent the unauthorised uploading and copying of copyright-protected content to such services. 

Meta and TikTok blocked Norwegian Media Authority’s election campaign

Meta and TikTok stopped the Norwegian Media Authority’s information campaign ahead of the parliamentary elections earlier in September. As part of a broader advertising initiative on source awareness and disinformation in the run-up to the election, the Authority had both videos rejected and links removed.

Swedish government presents bill on political ad regulation

The Swedish government has introduced a bill containing supplementary provisions to the EU Regulation on political advertising. The regulation establishes harmonised rules across the European Union concerning transparency requirements for political advertising services – that is, services used to prepare, place, promote, publish, provide, or disseminate political messages. The proposed Swedish legislation includes provisions on administrative fines, among other measures. If adopted, the law is scheduled to enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Abolition of the book VAT in Denmark

The Danish government has announced plans to abolish the current 25% value-added tax on books. The aim of the reform is to encourage more people to read. According to figures reported by DR, the government estimates that removing the tax will cost 330 million kroner (approximately 44 million euro) annually.

Nordic media policy bulletins

Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces: New guidance and reporting templates have been issued for media service providers and public authorities, in accordance with the European Media Freedom Act.  

Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces: The Radio and Television Board has opened applications for the sixth terrestrial FM radio channel, FM6.  

Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality: New amendments to the regulations governing innovation and development subsidies for news and current affairs media – includes specialist and niche media.

Norwegian Press Association: The Norwegian media industry has launched a campaign highlighting the role of editorial media.

New reports and statistics regarding the Nordics

Helsinki University: New study on strategic media ownership across borders – insights from case Bonnier News in Finland.

Swedish Agency for the Media: Use of digital media declining among younger Swedish children.

Swedish Agency for the Media: Young people are disengaging from news concerning society and politics.

Journalistica: Nordic journalism educators’ preparedness to teach AI.

European Broadcasting Union: Continued high levels of trust in Nordic media.

European Audiovisual Observatory: How do Nordic and other European countries promote their films, series and TV programmes? New free database. 

Don't forget our EU newsletter

Did you know that Nordicom has another newsletter about the media policy sector in the EU? It is called European Media Policy.

About the newsletter
The newsletter Nordic Media Policy reports on media policy developments in the Nordic countries and at the Nordic level. It presents new legislative proposals, parliamentary debates, and new media policy decisions and initiatives. The newsletter also draws attention to new reports and studies in the media field from the Nordic countries.

Nordic Media Policy is published with support from the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Editor
Tobias Lindberg, researcher at Nordicom
tobias.lindberg@nordicom.gu.se

Publisher
Nordicom University of Gothenburg
PO Box 713
SE-405 30
Gothenburg 
Sweden 
www.nordicom.gu.se

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