Radio Aftonbladet takes over NRJ’s national FM frequency in Sweden

Radio Aftonbladet NRJ Swedish FM commercial news radio Schibsted

At midnight on Saturday, NRJ ceased broadcasting on its national FM band and was replaced by Radio Aftonbladet. The change is the first step in Schibsted’s plan to launch Sweden’s first commercial news radio station. Until the official launch on 17 August, the new channel will air music and promotional trailers. After that, it will provide live journalism from morning to evening.

Schibsted secured one of three national broadcasting licences for the 2026‑2034 period, prompting NRJ’s chief Richard Mazeret to call the loss of the frequency a “shocking decision.” The new service has recruited senior journalists from public‑service broadcasters, including former SR editor Caroline Kernen and producer Ahmet Yaraman, to build its newsroom.

The move follows a recent reallocation of national radio licences aimed at increasing content diversity and ownership in Sweden.

Entities: Ahmet Yaraman · Bjørn‑Martin Bache Nordby · Bokhultet · Bordeaux · Caroline Kernen · Department of Security and Service (DSS) · Department of Security and Service Organisation (DSS) · France · Greece · Lotta Folcker · Lotta Folckeri · NRJ

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Schibsted received one of three national broadcast licences for 2026‑2034; the other two went to Bauer Media (Mix Megapol) and Kilohertz AB (RIX FM). (e42bab1d-4865-4416-a691-b602c79ca218)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Radio Aftonbladet will launch a full news schedule on 17 August. (e42bab1d-4865-4416-a691-b602c79ca218)
[○ 1 SOURCE] NRJ ceased national FM broadcasting at midnight, replaced by Radio Aftonbladet. (Radio Aftonbladet takeover)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Norwegian Data Protection Authority received 43 complaints about the scheme. (Complaints to Datatilsynet)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Department of Security and Service (DSS) sent a letter objecting to the “consent‑or‑pay” scheme, saying it is unreasonable for employees to pay and requesting employer coverage. (77342543-2b7c-4930-9a88-4a3b4b534eac)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Schibsted introduced a “consent‑or‑pay” advertising model requiring users to pay to avoid personalised ads. (77342543-2b7c-4930-9a88-4a3b4b534eac)
[○ 1 SOURCE] NRJ retained 20 regional broadcast licences. (e42bab1d-4865-4416-a691-b602c79ca218)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Radio Aftonbladet broadcasts on FM, DAB+ and Aftonbladet platforms from midnight. (Radio Aftonbladet launch)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Radio Aftonbladet replaced NRJ on Sweden’s national FM band at midnight.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The ad‑option for government employees has been postponed until 1 October.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Radio Aftonbladet will broadcast on FM, DAB+ and Aftonbladet platforms.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Datatilsynet and the Consumer Council have received 43 complaints about Schibsted’s ad model.