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Swedish radio pioneers aim for historic launch with new commercial news station
🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

Swedish radio pioneers aim for historic launch with new commercial news station

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Sweden is launching its first commercial news radio station on August 17, operated by Aftonbladet.
  • The morning show will be hosted by crime reporter Linda Hjertén and former SVT/SR host Alex Letic.
  • The new station aims to fill a gap between public service radio's P1 and P3, offering a mix of news and lighter content.

Swedish radio history is set to be made on Monday, August 17, with the launch of the country's first commercial news radio station. Aftonbladet secured one of three national commercial radio licenses, and its new venture promises a fresh approach to audio news.

It's been a while since I've been genuinely nervous about a job, but now I actually feel nervous. It feels like it means something real.

— Alex LeticAlex Letic expressed his feelings about the upcoming launch of the new radio station.

The morning broadcasts will be helmed by an unexpected duo: Linda Hjertén, a seasoned crime reporter and prominent Aftonbladet figure, and Alex Letic, who brings a wealth of experience from hosting programs on SVT and Sveriges Radio. Both express a palpable sense of anticipation and nervousness just days before the premiere.

I've missed something between P1 and P3. Sometimes I want the news, and then I want to laugh a little. That's what we're going to be. You should be able to listen to us in the morning and know what's happened in Gaza, but also catch up on some fun gossip.

— Linda HjerténLinda Hjertén described the intended content and tone of the new radio station.

"It's been a while since I've been genuinely nervous about a job, but now I actually feel nervous. It feels like it means something real," Alex Letic shared. His new partner, Linda Hjertén, views the initiative as a response to a personal need as a media consumer. "I've missed something between P1 and P3. Sometimes I want the news, and then I want to laugh a little. That's what we're going to be. You should be able to listen to us in the morning and know what's happened in Gaza, but also catch up on some fun gossip," she explained.

How many more questions like this will I get in my life? To be part of starting something completely new, you can't say no.

— Linda HjerténLinda Hjertén explained her motivation for leaving her previous role to join the new radio venture.

Hjertén, who left what she described as "the world's best job" as a crime reporter, sees this as a unique career opportunity at 46. "How many more questions like this will I get in my life? To be part of starting something completely new, you can't say no." The hosts' paths first crossed years ago through a mutual friend, Aftonbladet columnist Hanna Hellquist, but this marks their first collaboration. Hjertén admitted that working with Letic was a significant factor in her decision, stating, "I wouldn't have dared to jump on this with just anyone."

I wouldn't have dared to jump on this with just anyone.

— Linda HjerténLinda Hjertén stated that Alex Letic's involvement was a key factor in her decision to join the project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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