Index 2023
1/ 180
Score : 95.18
Political indicator
1
96.54
Economic indicator
1
92.46
Legislative indicator
1
94.92
Social indicator
1
95.98
Security indicator
3
95.98
Index 2022
1/ 180
Score : 92.65
Political indicator
1
94.89
Economic indicator
1
90.38
Legislative indicator
1
92.23
Social indicator
2
93.71
Security indicator
11
92.03

Norway’s legal framework safeguarding freedom of the press is robust. The media market is vibrant, featuring a strong public service broadcaster and a diversified private sector with publishing companies guaranteeing extensive editorial independence.

Media landscape

The public service broadcaster NRK dominates the audiovisual market, with basically one outlet – excluding entertainment – as its only competitor, the commercial channel TV2. In the digital landscape, the online version of the VG newspaper is the most read. Nearly 230 news outlets operate in the country. A more radical opinion journalism has been developing online in recent years.

Political context

The Norwegian media operate in a favourable political environment. By and large, Norwegian politicians refrain from labelling unfavourable coverage as “fake news” and from disparaging its authors. Parliamentarians and government ministers avoid approaching the editorial boards of publications subsidised by public bodies.

Legal framework

The constitution guarantees both freedom of expression and the right to public information, which is also protected by several other laws. The media industry works under a common code of ethics. The government’s extensive collection of communications data poses a risk to the protection of journalistic sources.

Economic context

The Norwegian Media Authority collects, classifies and publishes information about media ownership. For their part, competition authorities protect pluralism in terms of ownership. The “zero VAT” policy on news media contributes to upholding quality and pluralism.

Sociocultural context

On the whole, society and the state encourage independent journalism and the exchange of ideas. Occasionally, media professionals are harassed online.

Safety

Journalists generally work in a safe environment. A few rare cases of physical violence have been reported, but threats are commonplace.