TV4 AB
|
|
TV4 is the largest commercial television channel in Sweden. It started broadcasting by satellite in 1990 and, since 1992, in the terrestrial network. In 1994, TV4 became the largest channel for many years. The two channels of Sveriges Television (SVT) lost more and more viewers for a couple of years. But in 2001, SVT made big schedule changes. After making schedule changes in 2001, SVT1 had practically the same numbers of viewers as TV 4. SVT1 and TV4 in Sweden are in many ways corresponding to BBC ONE and ITV in the United Kingdom.
The main owners of the company are Bonniers, Modern Times Group, and Alma Media. The stock is also traded at the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
News is an important part of TV4. They broadcast the news program "Nyheterna", literally the News, twice a day in the evenings and "Nyhetsmorgon", News-Morning, in the mornings.
In an interesting move, two Swedish filmmakers sued TV4 over copyright infringement in November 2004 for placing commercials during their film's TV showing. This comes a bit as a surprise, given the fact that commercial broadcasters around the world normally interrupt their programs to make money. Surprisingly, the filmmakers won. Though the verdict lacks any real effect, contracts today are written with a clause that commercial breaks will take place, both filmmakers claimed it to be a victory for directors in Sweden.
Other channels
TV4 also broadcasts the channels TV4+, TV4 Film and TV400:
- TV4 plus was launched in march 2003 and broadcasts sport, games and entertainment.
- As of 2005, TV4 has started a film channel and is about to start a dedicated news channel.
- TV400 was launched in early 2005.
Availability of channels
Laws in Sweden tell that all television operators must carry the analogue version of TV4. TV4+ is also available analogue cable TV. TV4 is transmitted free-to-air in the digital terrestrial network while TV4+, TV4 Film and TV400 require subscription from Boxer. The channels are also available on satellite from Canal Digital and Viasat, and on cable TV from com hem and UPC.
See also: List of Swedish television channels