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SVT to cut costs as commercial channels leave broadcast network

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Key Points
  • SVT will save 355 million kronor due to increased costs from commercial channels leaving the broadcast network.
  • SVT's annual costs have increased by 192 million kronor after TV4 and other channels exited the network.
  • Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson demands Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson intervene to secure extra funds for SVT.

SVT will save 355 million kronor, partly due to increased costs as part of its mandatory emergency preparedness duties. The increased costs come after TV4 and other commercial channels left the broadcast network at the turn of the year, raising SVT's annual costs by 192 million kronor. SVT must remain in the broadcast network as part of its emergency preparedness duties.

The government's proposition states that if other media companies leave the broadcast network during the license period and this leads to significantly increased costs for public service companies, this should be seen as an extraordinary cost that should not be included in the funding decision for the license period. SVT's board has requested extra funding for the increased expense but has not yet received a response from the government. Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand (M) has said the question of extra money for the broadcast network fee should be handled in parliament.

the question of extra money for the broadcast network fee should be handled in parliament

Parisa Liljestrand, Culture Minister

Opposition parties believe the issue is not being addressed quickly enough and that the government could take money from the public service account to cover the fee. Social Democratic party leader Magdalena Andersson has entered the issue, demanding that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) intervene to secure a decision on extra funds for SVT. Andersson said the culture minister's talk will not solve the matter and that money needs to be moved from an account to SVT.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson referred back to the culture minister when contacted.

the culture minister's talk will not solve the matter and that money needs to be moved from an account to SVT

Magdalena Andersson, Social Democratic party leader

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