Freedom of the Press - Norway (2004)
| Publisher | Freedom House |
| Publication Date | 28 April 2004 |
| Cite as | Freedom House, Freedom of the Press - Norway (2004), 28 April 2004, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4734512719.html [accessed 7 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Status: Free
Legal Environment: 3
Political Influences: 3
Economic Pressures: 3
Total Score: 9
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 79
Religious Groups: Evangelical Lutheran (86 percent), other christian [including Pentecostal and Roman Catholic] (3 percent), none and unknown (11 percent) other Christian (2.4 percent), Muslim (1.8 percent), other (8.1 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Norwegian, Sami (20,000)
Capital: Oslo
The constitution provides robust protections for freedom of the press. Truth is not an absolute defense in libel cases, and fines have been increasing. Censorship is illegal, but certain topics (such as suicide) are not considered acceptable material. Journalists abide by strict self-regulation, including the code of ethics of the Norwegian Press Association. Although Norway has the largest number of newspapers per capita in the world, just three large companies dominate the print media. The state provides newspapers with direct subsidies, which account for only 3 to 4 percent of their total revenue but serve to limit the impact of local monopolies.
