Local commercial radio

Broadcasting of local commercial radio began in 1993 in Sweden. At present, there are 89 licences and it is estimated that about 75% of the Swedish population can receive local commercial radio. A licence from the Swedish Radio and TV Authority is required for the broadcasting of local commercial radio.

Rules and concession fees

According to the rules that applied until 1 July 2001, licences for broadcasting of local commercial radio would be issued to the highest bidder at auctions. 81 of today's licences were received before that date.

The new rules for broadcasting local commercial radio makes it possible to hold several licences as long as they do not relate to the same broadcast area. There is also a minimum requirement to broadcast at least three hours of own material between 06.00 and 21.00 every day.

If there is more than one applicant for a licence, the Swedish Radio and TV Authority must grant the licence on the basis of three criteria:
1. undertakings on programme content,
2. technical and financial preconditions
3. ownership.

There is a uniform concession fee of SEK 44,000 per year and licence. 

In 2008, those in possession of an auctioned licence pay between SEK 62 400 and SEK 3 812 100, with the highest fees in the urban areas. In total, all the licence-holders paid about SEK 130 600 000 in fees to the Swedish Radio and TV Authority during 2008.

About local commercial radio...
The purpose of the new rules is to encourage diversity and freedom of expression and to strengthen local links with local commercial radio.