Channel Information

Country Focus 101: Sweden

We’ve already taken a brief look at TV channels in Norway,  Australia, Canada and The Netherlands. Now it’s time for an at-a-glance guide to the Swedish TV landscape.

Kanal 5

Overview:

• Kanal 5 is Sweden’s main entertainment channel. It features a mix of locally produced and international programmes.
• Monday 8pm has become the workplace reality genre slot, which appeals to the 15-44 demographic
• They pride themselves on having the best foreign programmes such as CSI, Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives
• Its schedule is weakest at the weekend, where they have to play foreign programmes that are bigger hitters than local programmes
• They have developed the ‘workplace reality’ genre and are looking to develop more physical gameshow formats.

Hit Programmes

Ullared - workplace reality show based in the country’s largest shopping centre

The Ferry – workplace reality show

Håkan’s Bar – spin off from The Ferry, in which one of the characters runs a bar in Thailand.

Wipeout

The Angry Carpenter – locally made DIY show

Room Service -  long running DIY show

Boston Tea Party – science entertainment show

Beat for Beat – music quiz show

Skavlan – entertainment chatshow

Tore på sporet – talk show

Dating in the Dark

Key Executives:

Lars Beckung, Head of Programming

MTG TV3

Overview:

• Slightly female skewing broad entertainment channel aimed at 15-49s
• Most programming is locally produced – focussed on lifestyle, consumer, reality, entertainment, movies and acquired series
• Looking for foreign formats to adapt locally in access primetime (7-8pm)

Hit Programmes:

• Superstars
• America’s Next Top Model
• Sweden’s Ugliest Homes
• Swedish Hollywood Wives
• Luxury Trap - financial advice show
• Single Mums – dating show
  

Key Executives:

Camilla Clarke, Head of Planning

SVT

Overview:

• STV1 is Sweden’s largest mainstream channel; SVT2 is a factually skewed channel
• STV1 Looking for 60′ factual entertainment shows for mid-week from international producers (which translates to 57′ or 58′ mins not a commercial (42 min-ish) hour)
• As a public service broadcaster, SVT1 is also looking for new ways into arts, religion and culture
• SVT2 – wants presenter-led shows and new comedy talent to front shows (not necessarily comedy programmes)

Hit Programmes (SVT1):

• Skavlan - talk show
• Antiques Roadshow
• Danceband Challenge
• Who Do You Think You Are?
  
• On the Right Tracks - entertainment quiz

Hit Programmes (SVT2):

• Sinner or Saint – explores the 7 deadly sins with the help of a comedienne
• Svenska Dialekmysterier – documentary series

Key Executives:

Markus Sterky, Content Strategist, SVT Commissioning

TV4

Overview:

• Sweden’s largest commercial channel with a target audience of 12-59 yr olds
• The channel is looking to beef up its late afternoon and access primetime schedule with new acquisitions

Hit Programmes:

• Robinson 2009 - new take on Survivor
• Farmer Wants a Wife
• Come Dine With Me
• Antligen Hemma – long running DIY series
• Momma’s Boys
• Maternity Ward – US acquisition stripped in daytime
• Let’s Dance (local version of Strictly Come Dancing)

Key Executives:

Malte Andreasson, Head of Scheduling

Information courtesy of C21 Media Primetime Strategies 2010/2011

© 2010 TV Mole.