The government wants to provide SVT and SR with hundreds of millions of kronor in additional state aid as compensation for increased costs following TV4’s departure from the terrestrial network. At the same time, press subsidies have previously been restructured in a way that has, in practice, almost completely excluded alternative media outlets such as Frihetsnytt and Samnytt from state funding.
The government wants to provide SVT and SR with additional funding amounting to several hundred million kronor. The funds are intended to offset increased costs following TV4’s exit from the terrestrial network in early 2025.
According to the proposal, this amounts to 382 million kronor for SVT and 82 million kronor for SR. In total, the amount is close to 464 million kronor, although the government may end up paying out less. The funding is intended to cover the years 2026 and 2027.
Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand (M) says it wants to safeguard the independence of public service broadcasters. The proposal has now been sent out for public comment.
Double standards
While the government is thus prepared to pour even more taxpayer money into public service broadcasting, it has previously restructured press subsidies in a way that has, in practice, almost completely shut out alternative media outlets such as Frihetsnytt, Samnytt, and similar entities.
Most mainstream media outlets already receive government support in various ways. The public service broadcasters SVT and SR also receive substantial and stable government funding through the public service fee. Alternative media, which often provide genuine scrutiny and serve as a critical voice against those in power, are left entirely without support.
This creates a distorted competitive environment in which the government actively favors certain players while others—who do not fit the established mold—are excluded.
Fair or not?
Critics argue that it would be more democratic if either all media outlets were able to apply for funding on equal terms—or if none received government funding at all. In that case, competition would take place on a more equitable basis, and citizens would have access to a broader range of independent journalism.
Instead, the government continues to prioritize public service broadcasting with large sums of money, while the alternative sector—which contributes to media diversity in Sweden—is kept on a tight leash.
The proposal for additional funding for SVT and SR is now out for public comment. It remains to be seen what the final decision will be.
SHUT DOWN THE DISGUSTING SVT & SR. Among others
These Sk–p bills that taxpayers are forced to pay belong in the nearest trash can.
Long live FREE MEDIA.
Tidö is digging its own grave by trying to line the pockets of its opponents’ propaganda organization—it’s just so stupid. Stop all media subsidies and let people choose for themselves what they want to watch or listen to.
Censorship and suppression of free speech targeting alternative media and the people.
SVT is now trying to stop Grok from telling the truth. This totalitarian democracy only accepts politically correct views.
I agree with all the wise people above! Fire that awful woman, Anne Lagerkranz