Danish police drop demand for TV 2 documentary footage

Denmark's National Unit for Special Crime (NSK) has retracted its demand for TV 2 to provide raw footage and SMS correspondences related to the documentary series "The Black Swan." The police initially sought these materials to aid in their investigation of cases arising from the documentary.

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It is, in our view, completely unprecedented that journalists' SMS messages, emails, and notes should be handed over to the police. It is an infringement on press freedom, and we have wanted to take the case as far as we possibly can.

TV 2 announced the withdrawal of the demand in a press release, citing that the broadcaster is no longer considered "non-suspect" in connection with the crimes revealed in the series. This shift in status appears to be the reason behind the police's decision to drop their request.

Michael Nørgaard, chief editor for documentaries at TV 2, expressed satisfaction with the withdrawal, calling the initial demand "completely unprecedented." He stated that requiring journalists' SMS messages, emails, and notes to be handed over to the police constitutes an infringement on press freedom. TV 2 had intended to contest the demand vigorously.

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As we have always said, we are naturally available for any questions the police may have.

Nørgaard clarified that he is unsure if TV 2 is now considered a suspect in any of the cases stemming from "The Black Swan." He reiterated TV 2's stance that they do not believe the broadcaster committed any criminal acts in the creation of the documentary, which used hidden cameras to expose serious societal crime. TV 2 maintains they are available for any police questions.

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We have also stated several times that we do not believe that TV 2 committed anything criminal in the creation of 'The Black Swan' by setting up the office that exposes particularly socially significant crime using hidden cameras.