Television in the Nordics follows a common European framework, but national systems differ. The rules come from the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) and are applied through national laws and regulatory authorities. In a new factsheet, Karin Hellingwerf, media analyst at Nordicom, takes a closer look at how these systems work across the region.
“While the systems may seem similar at first, their structures reflect different national priorities and policy traditions”, says Hellingwerf.
Different national models
All five countries have media authorities and responsible ministries, but they organise their work in different ways. Finland uses a more centralised model, while Denmark and Sweden divide responsibilities between several bodies. Norway and Iceland have more streamlined systems, with one main media authority and separate technical regulators.
The structure of terrestrial television also differs. All countries use digital terrestrial television (DTT), but Denmark, Norway, and Finland operate several multiplexes that include both public service and commercial channels. Sweden now has one public service multiplex, while Iceland has a smaller, more centralised network built around RÚV.
Public service in focus
Public service broadcasting remains important across the Nordic countries, but is organised differently. Finland and Iceland each have a single provider. Denmark and Norway combine public and commercial actors with public service obligations, while Sweden has separate institutions for different types of content.
Licensing systems also vary. Public service broadcasters are usually established by law, while commercial operators must apply for licences and access to the spectrum. Must-carry rules also differ: Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have formal obligations, while Norway takes a more general approach.
“The overall picture is one of stability under pressure. The systems are adapting to digitalisation, but their core missions remain intact”, says Hellingwerf.
Read the factsheet Overview of Nordic Terrestrial Television Regulation by Karin Hellingwerf.
Read more factsheets from Nordicom