4 October 2025 Broadcasting Anniversary

In 1933, the Norwegian Parliament decided that all broadcasting should be publicly operated. This led to the establishment of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), which held a monopoly on broadcasting in Norway until 1981.

In the early days of broadcasting, crystal radios were most common. These required tuning with a small probe on a piece of crystal to produce sound. Later came the tube radio, which broadcasts sound directly into the room. In the 1930s, NRK introduced the “people’s radio” as an affordable option for the general public. Lalla Carlsen was among the first entertainers to reach a wide audience through NRK.

During the Second World War, radio broadcasts from the Norwegian government-in-exile in London became an important institution, known for the opening phrase "This is London." King Haakon's radio speeches and messages from London were seen as a threat to the occupying forces, who demanded that all radios be handed in. Despite harsh penalties, many chose to keep their radios illegally. The British also developed a small radio that was air-dropped into Norway to broadcast "The Voice from London."

Test broadcasts for Norwegian television began in 1954, and in 1960, King Olav formally inaugurated television in Norway. Television quickly became a central part of daily life, and the introduction of colour television in the 1970s improved the viewing experience. One of the most popular and controversial programmes of the 1980s was "The Body," created and presented by Trond-Viggo Torgersen.

The podcast era began in 2003 and has grown significantly in Norway in recent years. Services like Spotify and NRK Radio are among the most popular platforms for podcast listening. Else Kåss Furuseth is a prominent figure in modern Norwegian radio and podcasting. Both independent creators and established media outlets contribute to a rich and diverse podcasting landscape.