The Swedish government allocates licences to broadcast for national radio and terrestial television via a contractual agreement which normally runs for five years. The government sets certain conditions concerning children's programming, news and the use of Swedish productions. Commercial television channels and radio stations are independent. The satellite TV market is deregulated, with no licence required to broadcast. Digital broadcasting was launched by Swedish Television in 1999.
Newspapers are independent.
The government provides subsidies regardless of political affiliation.