TV4 will cease free broadcasts via terrestrial networks at the end of the year, focusing instead on its streaming service, TV4 Play. While viewers can watch programs and news for free with ads, access to the TV4 channel will require a subscription. This strategic and economic decision aims to build the future of TV4 and reduce costs. SVT's CEO, Anne Lagercrantz, highlights the financial implications for society and urges the government to secure funding for terrestrial networks.
TV4 to End Free Broadcasts, Shifts Focus to Streaming
TV4 to End Free Broadcasts
TV4 will no longer be free. At the turn of the year, the channel will stop broadcasting via terrestrial networks. "We are constantly focused on the same thing, which is to offer Sweden a fantastic streaming service," says TV4's CEO Mathias Berg to TV4 News.
At the turn of the year, TV4 will stop broadcasting via terrestrial networks, writes TV4 News. Instead, the company will invest in its streaming service, TV4 Play. This means it will no longer be free to watch via a regular antenna.
In the streaming service, viewers will be able to watch programs and news broadcasts for free with ads. However, the TV4 channel itself cannot be viewed without being a paying customer.
CEO Mathias Berg says the decision is about both strategy and economics.
"We are on a transformation journey where we are building the future of TV4 and gathering Sweden on TV4 Play to a greater extent and to a lesser extent on our linear channels," he says to TV4 News and adds:
"It is also, of course, an economic assessment where the costs we have today are too high for it to be a good economic decision to continue distributing."
SVT's Comment
Anne Lagercrantz, CEO of SVT, comments on TV4 leaving the terrestrial network:
"I fully understand TV4's decision. At the same time, the fact that all commercial companies are now leaving the terrestrial network means that society's costs increase by several hundred million kronor. Therefore, it is crucial that the government promptly presents a solution for how the financing of the terrestrial network will be secured—without burdening public service. This was also a conclusion that the public service investigation clearly drew," says Anne Lagercrantz in a comment.