Anni Carlsson

Project Summary

Legal Regulation of Public Service Media in Peacetime, Crisis and War

The aim of this project is to analyse and critically examine the legal framework governing Swedish public service media (i.e. SVT, SR and UR) in peacetime, crisis and war. The project explores the relationship between the constitutional protection of freedom of expression for public service media and the state’s ability to regulate their activities. Particular attention will be paid to the government’s powers to control public service media if Sweden is at war or under threat of war.

 

Another central issue is the role of public service media in combating disinformation in both peacetime and wartime. The project also examines the legal protections available to public service media against potential attempts by authoritarian political forces to control their activities.

 

The legal framework governing public service media is primarily set out in constitutional provisions, legislation and broadcasting licences. EU law has also become increasingly important in this area. The project includes comparisons with the legal regulation of public service media in other countries.

 

To date, very few studies have examined the role and activities of Swedish public service media from a legal perspective. One of the project’s main contributions is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal framework governing public service media in Sweden. By examining the government’s powers to control public service media during crises, such as pandemics and terrorist attacks, as well as during wartime, the project also contributes to Sweden’s ability to manage future crises and strengthens the country’s total defence capabilities.