Sweden’s new media support system, implemented at the start of 2024, has allocated 829 million kronor to 166 media outlets for the year 2025. This falls short of the allocated budget of approximately one billion kronor. The system, designed to bolster democracy and ensure independent news coverage nationwide, comprises four distinct support categories: general editorial support, extended editorial support, distribution support, and a transitional support mechanism for publications previously reliant on operational subsidies. While the Mediemyndigheten, the agency responsible for administering the support, views the allocation as a substantial contribution to media pluralism, concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy and fairness of the system.
A key point of contention revolves around the unused portion of the allocated budget. Critics, including Ulrika Hyllert, chair of the Journalistförbundet (The Swedish Union of Journalists), question why funds remain undistributed when eligible media outlets are being denied support. She highlights the declining number of applicants, from 220 in the previous round to 191 in 2025, as a sign of systemic failure. Hyllert argues that the criteria for eligibility, such as minimum subscriber thresholds, are flawed and disproportionately disadvantage smaller publications vital for media diversity. She advocates for a thorough evaluation and revision of the support system to address these issues and ensure a more equitable distribution of funds.
The allocation process has also spurred debate regarding the prioritization of support. Several national newspapers, including Dagens Arena and Altinget, were denied editorial support for 2024 due to insufficient readership and overly narrow news coverage, respectively. Conversely, major publications like Aftonbladet, Expressen, and Svenska Dagbladet were deemed too profitable to qualify for editorial support, a decision that remains in effect for 2025. However, Svenska Dagbladet continues to receive transitional support, highlighting the complexities of the system’s criteria. Other publications, such as Arbetaren, Feministiskt Perspektiv, Insikt24, Nya Tider, and Proletären, are similarly excluded from editorial support but receive transitional funding.
The new media support system, introduced on January 1, 2024, represents a shift from a rights-based to a needs-based approach, prioritizing regional and local media while still allowing for national media eligibility. Its primary objective is to strengthen democracy by promoting public access to high-quality, independent news reporting. A crucial element of the system is the ”democracy condition,” which disqualifies media outlets that operate contrary to the values enshrined in the Swedish constitution. This condition aims to safeguard against the misuse of public funds by organizations that promote undemocratic ideologies.
The debate surrounding the new media support system highlights the inherent tension between supporting a diverse media landscape and ensuring responsible allocation of public funds. The criteria employed, including readership thresholds, profitability assessments, and adherence to democratic principles, are subject to ongoing scrutiny and criticism. The declining number of applicants suggests a growing dissatisfaction among media outlets, particularly smaller publications, who struggle to navigate the complex requirements and compete for limited resources. The calls for evaluation and reform underscore the need for a more transparent, equitable, and effective system that truly supports media pluralism and strengthens democratic discourse.
Moving forward, a comprehensive review of the new media support system is crucial to address the concerns raised and ensure its long-term viability. This review should consider the impact of eligibility criteria on smaller publications, the effectiveness of the transitional support mechanism, and the overall distribution of funds. Furthermore, a more transparent and accessible application process could encourage wider participation and foster greater trust in the system. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a support system that genuinely empowers a diverse and independent media landscape, contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
