TV4 will exit the terrestrial network by January 2026, affecting nearly 200,000 households in Sweden who currently access the channel for free via antenna. The decision, while commercially straightforward, holds emotional significance due to the network's historical roots. Older rural residents are expected to be most impacted, prompting efforts to guide them into the digital media landscape.
TV4's Departure from Terrestrial Network: Impact on 200,000 Households
TV4's Departure from Terrestrial Network: Impact on 200,000 Households
TV4 is leaving the terrestrial network, ending free access to the channel via antenna. Nearly 200,000 TV households are affected, reports SvD.
From January 1, 2026, customers who access TV4 for free via an antenna will no longer be able to do so. According to CEO Mathias Berg, the decision was not commercially controversial but held significant emotional weight.
"The terrestrial network is part of both the Swedish TV industry's and TV4's birth and growth. It was where we were young. So, of course, we all, both as individuals and colleagues, have a relationship with the terrestrial network," he tells SvD.
Nearly 200,000 TV households are affected, about four percent of Sweden's population.
"I am convinced we will get reactions, and that's why I want to be clear that this affects very few. If you live in an apartment in a cooperative, access TV4's content via some form of subscription, or have the internet, this does not affect you. So it's crucial that we don't create unnecessary worry in that target group, who find such things difficult," says Mathias Berg, emphasizing that the channel will "work hard with information" for users.
Those Particularly Affected
Older people in rural areas are identified as particularly affected by the decision.
Mathias Berg tells TV4 News that he hopes the older group will have time to adapt and find the channel even after the changes take effect.
"This could possibly be a catalyst for finding solutions to help even older people enter the digital media landscape," he says.
He points out that the changes do not affect scheduled TV but only the way the channel's content is distributed.