Debate article published in Kristeligt Dagblag, 19 February 2025, by representatives of Danish rights holders: Lars Nielsen, TVMF, Sara Indrio, Danish Artist Association, Benjamin Boe, Danish Actors Association, Jacob Graff Hedebrink, Copydan, Allan Boye Thulstrup, Danish Union of Journalists, Christina Bergholdt Knudsen, Danish Playwrights, Sandra Piras, Danish Film Directors, Henrik Daldorph, IFPI, Louise Lykkegaard Hoppe, Producer Rights Denmark, Anna Porse Nielsen, Producers Association.

100 million extra for TV2 should mean more Danish content for TV2's viewers!

TV2 has just announced a price increase on their main channel, which will bring TV2 millions of extra money from TV distributors every year. A little quick maths shows that this amounts to an extra DKK 100 million per year. It is therefore quite obvious that TV2 should explain how these millions of kroner will be used and specifically how they will restore investments in Danish documentaries, films, series, music and entertainment.

After many years of championing strong Danish productions, TV2 has cut back on investments in Danish productions over the past three years. This was most recently evident in January when TV2 answered MP Pia Kjærsgaard's question in the Danish Parliament. The answer shows that TV2 has reduced investments by €43 million from 2021-2023.

This is not a wise development. As a state-owned public service broadcaster, TV2 has a special responsibility to ensure that Danish content is not pushed into the background. TV2 has an obligation to invest in Danish productions to ensure that Danes have a good and solid alternative to the major international platforms. In a time of geopolitical unrest, there is a particular need for major investments in public service, such as iconic drama series and thought-provoking documentaries that strengthen Danish culture by telling stories that bind us together as a nation. Therefore, the extra DKK 100 million should naturally lead TV2 to invest in more Danish productions.

Danes demand Danish films and series

Danes love Danish-produced content. Several studies, including TV2's own statistics and most recently DR's report on media development in 2024, clearly show that viewers demand Danish documentaries, films, TV series, music and entertainment. This is content that can bring families together, create conversations among friends and colleagues through our language, humour, curiosity and cultural understanding.

This trend is not new. It has been a clear trend for many years. Just look at how TV2 and DR's major productions about Grundtvig were able to unite Danes: LINK.

When TV2 chooses to raise the price of their main channel, it should be reflected in the ambitions for Danish content. If DR and TV2 do not invest and continuously increase their investments in Danish documentaries, films, series, music and entertainment, who will? The big streaming giants naturally prioritise investing primarily in international productions - even though they have done well with several Danish ventures over the years.

Dear TV2, tThe responsibility that comes with being state-owned. Use the extra funds to increase investment in Danish documentary and drama. Danes deserve it - and we need it. We need to see more bold, original stories that can set agendas and create debate. Denmark has a huge talent pool of screenwriters, directors, musicians, producers, journalists and actors whose talent and creativity can take Danish drama and documentaries to new heights.