TV4 will no longer be available for free as it shifts focus to its streaming service, TV4 Play. Starting next year, viewers will need a subscription to watch TV4 via traditional antennas. The decision, driven by strategic and economic factors, marks a significant change in Sweden's media landscape.
TV4 Transitions to Paid Service: A New Era for Swedish Television
TV4 Transitions to Paid Service: A New Era for Swedish Television
TV4 will no longer be available for free. Here's what will change starting next year.
At the turn of the year, TV4 will cease broadcasting via terrestrial networks, according to TV4 News. Instead, the company will focus on its streaming service, TV4 Play. This means that watching TV4 through a regular antenna will no longer be free.
Through the streaming service, viewers can watch programs and news broadcasts for free with advertisements. However, the TV4 channel itself will require a paid subscription.
CEO Mathias Berg states that the decision is both strategic and economic.
– We are on a transformational journey where we are building the future of TV4, focusing more on TV4 Play and less on our linear channels, he tells TV4 News, adding:
– It is also, of course, an economic assessment where the current costs are too high to justify continuing distribution.
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 will increase by several hundred million kronor. Therefore, it is crucial that the government promptly presents a solution for securing the financing of the terrestrial network without burdening public service. This was also a clear conclusion drawn by the public service inquiry, says Anne Lagercrantz in a statement.