More or less aware of Norwegian media
Norwegian media enjoy high trust, but there is little discussion of what this trust entails and what role the media have in society. Even when stories are based on reliable sources, the presentation may be one-sided and important perspectives may be missing.
April 8, 2025
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The Norwegian Media Authority reports high trust
In Norway there is high trust in the media: 73% of the population has trust in Norwegian media according to the Norwegian Media Authority — 21% are neutral and 6% have low trust.
The Norwegian Media Authority gives the following trust levels for named media: NRK 83%, Aftenposten 66%, TV2 65%, local/regional newspaper 60, Dagens Næringsliv 55%, VG 42%, Klassekampen 29%, Dagbladet 28%, P4 25%, and at the bottom Facebook 3%.
Trust or a lack of awareness?
The Norwegian Media Authority does not clarify what it means by the term trust. The Great Norwegian Encyclopedia gives this description: "Trust can be understood as a more or less conscious expectation that other people or institutions will act in a predictable, honest and well-meaning manner."
It may appear that a lack of awareness is a contributing reason why the social responsibility of Norwegian media is so little debated. Even when the media refer to reliable sources, stories are often presented one-sidedly. This is also one of the reasons Samfunn og Politikk was established; there is an intention to bring forward stories and angles that for various reasons do not find room in the editor-controlled media.
When media take up inflamed social issues, they can lose subscriptions. Society and Politics experiences the same: members disappear when inflamed issues are on the agenda, despite the fact that the stories are based on actual circumstances and reliable sources. This phenomenon contributes to populist journalism and leads the media to be guided by those in power in such a way that neither the opposition nor criticism gets through. Society and Politics shall promote the democratic principles of insight and influence, and does not follow populist currents.
The social role of the press
The Norwegian Press Complaints Commission (PFU) has drawn up the Code of Ethics of the Norwegian Press, which the members of the Norwegian Press Association follow. Note in particular the social role of the press in point 1:
1.1 Freedom of expression, freedom of information and freedom of the press are basic elements in a democracy. A free, independent press is among the most important institutions of democratic societies.
1.2 The press fulfils important functions such as information, debate and social criticism. The press has a special responsibility for allowing different views to be expressed.
Let the editor-controlled media earn your trust!
SOURCES
Pressens Faglige Utvalg
Code of Ethics of the Norwegian PressMedietilsynet
Media diversity report
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