NRK’s new head of commissions calls for innovative formats that resonate with Norwegian culture

NRK’s newly appointed external head of commissions, Jostein Olseng, has called for a broader range of entertainment formats that appeal to a more mainstream audience.

Jostein Olseng

Olseng joined NRK in November 2024 after serving as CEO at Mastiff. The seasoned Nordic TV executive now holds overall responsibility for NRK’s collaborations with external content providers.

“We see a great need for ideas that entertain, resonate broadly and simultaneously say something about the society we live in,” Olseng told C21.

“Production companies capable of meeting this need may have the opportunity to work on formats that will shape Norwegian TV in the years to come.”

Requesting broader entertainment formats may raise a few eyebrows, but entertainment is an essential aspect of NRK’s mission; not only is it compatible with the public broadcaster’s mission, it is also a central part of it, according to Olseng.

“When entertainment gathers people in front of screens for shared experiences, we strengthen the community and the Norwegian language. Entertainment is a powerful way to reach the entire population and serves as an important channel to reflect the diversity in our society. Therefore, it is as essential as news, culture, Sami content and regional coverage,” Olseng said.