rikskringkasting

Rikskringkasting, literally meaning "national broadcasting," is the term historically used for Norway's public service broadcasting organization, most commonly known today by its acronym NRK (Norsk rikskringkasting). The name Rikskringkasting is now primarily used in historical contexts to refer to the organization in its early form and during the period before the NRK branding became standard.

The organization was established by the Norwegian government in the 1930s to create a nationwide, state-owned broadcaster responsible for radio and, later, television. It built the country's first national radio transmitters and studios, and from the 1950s onward expanded into television operations. NRK's mission has been to provide independent, high-quality programming in Norwegian that informs, educates, and entertains, while reflecting and serving all parts of Norwegian society.

Rikskringkasting/NRK operates as a public service broadcaster under Norwegian law, with a governance structure that includes a board appointed by government authorities and parliamentary oversight. Its content spans news, current affairs, culture, children's programming, and entertainment across radio and television, as well as online services. Over the decades, the organization has launched multiple channels and services under the NRK umbrella, including NRK Radio and NRK TV, as well as digital platforms.

Today, the term Rikskringkasting is chiefly of historical interest, with NRK as the continuing public broadcaster in Norway. The transition from the historical name to the NRK branding reflects broader changes in Norwegian media policy and branding while preserving the public service mandate.