What we do
The Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority, SPBA, works to promote freedom of expression and diversity in the media market, where multiple voices are heard and consumers have access to a wide and accessible range of radio, television and news media.
Our mission
We work on issues relating to radio, television and news media. Our core business is made up of four elements:
- Licensing and registration of radio and television broadcasts
- Review of media to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
- Distribution of financial subsidies to news media
- Monitoring and analysis of media developments
Besides our day-to-day activities, we conduct a number of government investigations each year. We are part of the Ministry of Culture.
Our Vision
Our vision
“We have an open, diverse and responsible media landscape”
By OPEN, we mean a media landscape characterised by many competing stakeholders, along with accessibility. We contribute to this through our licensing and press subsidies services, and through decisions on accessibility for people with disabilities.
By DIVERSE, we mean a media landscape containing a wide range of content that caters to different interests and tastes. We contribute to this through our licensing and press and media subsidies services, and by raising awareness of developments in the media field.
By RESPONSIBLE, we mean a media landscape where stakeholders take responsibility themselves for compliance with rules on content and other conditions. We contribute to this by raising awareness and encouraging respect for the rules through our supervision and information to stakeholders
Organisation
We are a relatively small authority with over 40 employees divided into four units – Applications, Supervision, Administration and Communication and Analysis. There are also two committees, the Swedish Broadcasting Commission (GRN) and the Media Subsidies Council (MSN), as well as a Supervisory Board. The two committees are independent decision-making bodies within the authority. Members are appointed by the Government and meet regularly at the authority’s premises.
Organization chart over The Swedish Press and Broadcasting Authority
Applications Unit
The Applications Unit deals with queries and matters relating to broadcasting licences, media subsidies and website publishing licences.
Supervision Unit
The Supervision Unit deals with issues and matters relating to our supervision of broadcasters. This unit also deals with complaints from the public that are to be decided upon by the Swedish Broadcasting Commission.
Administration Unit
This unit deals with operational issues such as records, human resources and finance.
Communication and Analysis Unit
This unit is responsible for our internal and external communications, as well as monitoring external affairs and analysing media developments.
Supervisory Board
The authority also has a Supervisory Board whose job is to oversee its activities and advise the authority’s managers. The board does not make decisions, it merely contributes its expertise and experience. Members are appointed by the Government and serve for three years at a time. The board meets two to four times a year and is chaired by the authority’s Director-General.