allmennkringkasteren

Allmennkringkasteren is a Norwegian term that translates to "public broadcaster". It refers to a media organization that is funded by the public, often through a license fee or government grants, and is tasked with providing a broad range of programming for the entire population. The primary goal of an allmennkringkaster is to serve the public interest rather than to maximize profit.

In Norway, the most prominent example of an allmennkringkaster is NRK (Norsk rikskringkasting). NRK operates multiple television channels, radio stations, and online services, offering news, current affairs, documentaries, drama, children's programming, sports, and cultural content. The public service remit of an allmennkringkaster typically includes ensuring diversity of content, accessibility for all citizens, and upholding journalistic standards.

The concept of an allmennkringkaster is rooted in the belief that a well-informed citizenry is essential for a democratic society. By providing universal access to information and diverse cultural offerings, public broadcasters play a crucial role in national identity and social cohesion. While commercial media focuses on niche audiences and advertising revenue, the allmennkringkaster aims to cater to everyone, regardless of age, background, or interest. This often means producing content that might not be commercially viable but is deemed important for the public good. The operational independence from commercial pressures is a key characteristic.