TV4 Ends Terrestrial Broadcast, Leaving Rural Viewers in the Dark from January 12

TV4 will cease its terrestrial broadcasting on January 12, 2026, meaning that viewers relying solely on free antenna access will no longer be able to watch the channel this way. This change primarily impacts rural areas, including approximately 2,000 residents in Gotland's Visby area, many of whom remain unaware of the transition despite previous announcements and on-screen notices. Christer Ljungberg, a local entrepreneur in Gotland, noted that many customers have not received the message, heightening concerns about the loss of free broadcast access.

According to a survey commissioned by TV4, only about 4% of Swedish households depend exclusively on terrestrial TV distribution. The channel is urging those affected, especially older and less tech-savvy viewers, to switch to alternatives like fiber, cable, satellite, or TV4’s digital streaming service, TV4 Play. To ease this transition, TV4 is actively promoting awareness efforts and encouraging family members and property owners to assist those impacted by the shutdown.

This shift marks a significant change in Swedish broadcasting, requiring affected viewers to adapt to digital platforms to maintain access to TV4’s content. The broadcaster’s proactive support aims to mitigate disruption, but challenges remain for rural communities with limited internet infrastructure.