Lotta Folcker, Aftonbladet's publisher, says the newspaper will "build something new in the Swedish audio market."
This is one of our biggest investments in many years, and a clear expression of our ambition to reach more people with journalism in everyday life, she said in Aftonbladet.
Bauer Media Audio Filial (Mix Megapol) and Kilohertz AB (Rix FM) were also granted permits, which are valid for the period 2026–2034.
Only three licenses
There are only three national broadcasting licenses for commercial radio in Sweden. Previously, broadcasting licenses were allocated to the highest bidder at an auction, but now they are allocated by the Swedish Media Authority.
Because a permit was granted to Aftonbladet, the radio station NRJ will lose its license.
“Sad and upset”
"We are both sad and upset. 1.5 million listeners are losing their radio station and our employees are at risk of losing their jobs," Richard Mazeret, NRJ's CEO, said in a press release.
The Swedish Media Authority justified its decision by saying that Aftonbladet's radio channel will offer something new.
"Given the breadth of content in the applications received, the Swedish Media Authority assesses that two permits should be issued for music channels and one permit for a program service with content that is not currently represented in commercial radio," it said in a press release.
NRJ has been broadcasting in Sweden since commercial radio was introduced in 1993 and is aimed at a younger audience. Among its best-known programs is "NRJ morgon" with Sofia Wistam and Anis Don Demina as hosts.
The channel will now try to secure regional broadcasting licenses, which will be distributed in the spring.
