Norway to abolish radio and television license fees
The Norwegian government plans to abolish radio and television license fees and fund public broadcasting (NRK) with tax revenue. Culture Minister Trine Skei Grande announced this on Friday.
"News media have a value as democratic opinion makers, as a control body for the powerful and as a steward of language, culture and common identity," said Grande. It is important that NRK remains a strong public broadcaster without advertising.
People who live alone are the main beneficiaries of the new tax model. Until now, Norwegians have paid the equivalent of more than 330 francs per household in radio and television fees every year.
The future tax will amount to around 1700 Norwegian kroner (190 francs) per person. For a family with two adults, this is roughly the same amount. The tax is graduated according to income and must be paid from the age of 18. According to the government's plans, the broadcasting fee will be abolished by January 1, 2020. (SDA)
Photo: From Kph - Own work, Public domain
