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Porträtt av Anni Carlsson.

Anni Carlsson, Doctor of Constitutional Law at the Department of International and Operational Law at the Swedish Defence University. Photo: Tobias Björkegren.

SEK 1.9 million awarded for research on constitutional protection of public service media in peacetime, crisis and war

Anni Carlsson, a Doctor of Constitutional Law at the Department of International and Operational Law, has been awarded a postdoctoral grant of approximately SEK 1.9 million by the Ragnar Söderberg Foundation for her research project, Legal Regulation of Public Service Media in Peacetime, Crisis, and War.

As part of the project, Anni Carlsson will analyse the legal framework governing Swedish public service media (SVT, SR, and UR) during peacetime, crises, and war. The project will also examine the relationship between the constitutional protection of public service media's freedom of expression and the state’s ability to influence their operations. Particular attention will be given to the government’s legal authority to direct public service media in situations of war or imminent threat of war.

Disinformation and authoritarian forces

Another key focus of the project is the role of public service media in combating disinformation during both peace and war, as well as the protection public service media have against potential attempts by authoritarian political forces to control their operations.

“In my previous research on freedom of expression, I noticed a lack of legal studies specifically addressing public service media, despite their central role in the everyday lives of Swedes and their vital societal function,” says Anni Carlsson.

“What drew me to this topic was discovering ambiguities around the government’s legal authority to influence public service media during Sweden's highest state of readiness — such as during war or when facing a serious threat. Given the critical role public service media play in times of crisis and war, it feels urgent to analyse the legal framework governing their operations in such situations,” she explains.

Evolving legal framework for public service media

A key aim of the project is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal regulations governing public service media, including relevant EU law.

“This is particularly important as the regulatory framework is undergoing change, and public service media have gained increasing significance due to the current geopolitical uncertainty,” says Anni Carlsson.

She hopes the research will benefit public service media by clarifying the legal boundaries of their operations, as well as assist the government in future regulation of public service, for example when issuing broadcasting licences.

“By analysing the government’s ability to influence public service media during crises and in times of war, the project also contributes to Sweden’s preparedness for future crises and strengthens the nation’s total defence,” she adds.

The research project will run for two years and will begin on 1 September 2025.

Ragnar Söderberg post doc fellow in law 2024

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Published:
2025-01-27
Last updated:
2025-01-27
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