Schibsted Media’s acquisition of TV4 and MTV Oy welcomed by content managers

Following the approval of Schibsted Media’s acquisition of Telia’s TV Media, Sweden’s TV4 Group and Finnish MTV Oy are now officially part of a larger Norwegian media family.

Fredrik Arefalk

The acquisition of broadcasters TV4 and MTV for SEK6.55bn (US$615m) aligns with Schibsted’s broader strategy to strengthen its media portfolio across the Nordics amid increasing competition in the media landscape.

TV4 and MTV are independent news providers, also known for entertainment, sports, and drama offerings.

“We are pleased to join Schibsted and open a new, exciting chapter in the history of TV4. This is a perfect fit that will strengthen us in the Swedish market,” TV4Media’s head of content, Fredrik Arefalk, told C21.

Today, TV4 assesses all commissions based on how titles perform on demand on TV4 Play. Most viewers have already shifted to TV4 Play, but the focus remains on selecting titles that attract a broad audience across all age groups.

Arefalk’s objective for scripted is to reach the right balance between recurring titles, such as Beck and The Murders in Sandhamn, and fresh ones like Vargasommar and Doktrinen.

In Finalnd, MTV Oy’s VP of content, channels & digital consumption Iina Eloranta added: “Schibsted is, like MTV, a strong publisher that invests in journalism and engaging content and believes in strong, local media.

“We are delighted that Schibsted will support MTV’s leading position in news, sports, drama, and entertainment”.

The deal has also propelled Schibsted into a TV market undergoing a historic shift in distribution and revenue streams. TV4, MTV Finland, as well as all Nordic commercial pubcasters, face a challenge as their viewers, advertising, and subscription income shift from linear channels to streaming.