The public service broadcaster NRK dominates the audiovisual market, with primarily one competitor in news broadcasting, the commercial channel TV2. In the digital landscape, the online version of the VG newspaper is the most read. Nearly 230 news outlets operate in the country.

The Norwegian media operate in a favourable political environment. Norwegian politicians generally refrain from disparaging journalists and dismissing unfavourable coverage as “fake news.” Parliamentarians and government ministers avoid influencing the editorial boards of publicly subsidised media. 

The constitution guarantees both freedom of expression and the right to public information, which is also protected by several other laws. The media industry adheres to a common code of ethics. The government’s extensive collection of communications data poses a potential risk to the protection of journalistic sources.

The Norwegian Media Authority monitors, classifies, and publishes information about media ownership. While competition authorities safeguard diverse ownership, the “zero VAT” policy on news media helps maintain quality and pluralism.

Norwegian society and the state broadly support independent journalism and the exchange of ideas, though media professionals occasionally face online harassment.

Journalists generally work in a safe environment. While physical violence is rare, threats against journalists are commonplace.