SVT and SR Demand 465 Million Extra – Otherwise Journalism Will Suffer

SVT and SR demand full compensation for the terrestrial broadcasting network. An additional 465 million kronor from taxpayers on top of their ordinary allocation. The companies warn that lower compensation would force them to divert money from journalism and programming.

In their responses to the government, both Sveriges Television and Sveriges Radio demand full compensation for the increased costs of operating in the terrestrial network. The highest alternative in the government’s memorandum means 383 million kronor to SVT and 82 million to SR for 2026–2027, totaling 465 million, according to SVT and the referred memorandum.

The background is that other TV operators have exited the terrestrial network. Pay TV channels ceased in 2025, and TV4’s terrestrial broadcasts ended at the start of 2026. At the same time, regulation of Teracom’s distribution prices ended on January 1, 2026, after a decision by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority.

This is reflected in the companies’ costs. SVT’s cost for the terrestrial network is estimated at 374 million kronor in 2026, compared with 195 million in 2025 and 163 million in 2024. SR’s costs rise to 340 million in 2026, from 318 million in 2025.

Four Alternatives – The Companies Want the Costliest

The government has proposed four levels: 100, 75, 50, or 25 percent of the estimated additional cost for 2026 and 2027. Full compensation gives SVT 383 million and SR 82 million. The lowest option yields 96 and 21 million, respectively.

SVT and SR argue that full compensation is the only reasonable choice. Otherwise, funds intended for journalism, programming, and digital development would have to go to the terrestrial network – infrastructure the state has required public service to maintain with 99.8 percent population coverage during 2026–2033.

Sveriges Radio adds that the actual cost will only become clear after final negotiations with Teracom.

Extra Funds Despite Eight-Year Decision

Parliament has already decided on allocations for the entire concession period 2026–2033. For 2026, SVT will receive about 5.7 billion kronor and SR about 3.5 billion. According to policy, extra funding should be issued restrictively and only in absolute exceptional cases, such as unforeseen and extraordinary expenses.

Still, the government has judged that the additional cost after other operators have left the network is an extraordinary expense outside the ordinary decision. Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand has previously said the process must be thorough precisely to safeguard independence when deviating from the principle of a single budget decision per period.

The distribution inquiry is to report by September 30, 2026, how the terrestrial network should be organized and financed. Any proposals from this may affect costs from 2028 onwards – which is why the proposed extra funds are limited to 2026 and 2027.