Denmark - Media

Although the government telephone service owns and operates long-distance lines and gives some local service, the bulk of local telephone service is operated by private companies under government concession with government participation. Continuous efforts are being made to expand and modernize the system. As of 1997 there were over 4.7 million main line telephones in Denmark proper, or approximately 720 lines per 1,000 inhabitants. Mobile cellular phones numbered over 1.4 million. Telegraph services are owned and operated by the government. The radio broadcasting services are operated by the Danish State Radio System, on long, medium, and short waves. Television broadcasting hours are mainly devoted to current and cultural affairs and to programs for children and young people. There is no commercial advertising on radio or television; owners of sets pay an annual license fee. As of 1998 there were 2 AM and 355 FM radio stations and 26 television stations. In 2000, Denmark had 1,349 radios and 807 television sets per 1,000 population. About 264 of every 1,000 people subscribed to cable television. Also in 2000, there were 431 personal computers per 1,000 people and 13 Internet service providers, serving about 2.93 million users in 2001.

The following table lists 2002 average daily circulation figures for the largest newspapers:

	ORIENTATION CIRCULATION
COPENHAGEN
Ekstra Bladet	Independent/Social-liberal	159,500
Politiken	Independent/Social-liberal	153,500
Berlingske Tidende	Independent/Conservative	160,100
B.T.	Independent/Conservative	144,900
PROVINCES
Aarhus Stiftstidende (Aarhus)	Independent	176,400
Vendsyssel Tidende (Hjorring)	Independent	114,000
Aalborg Stiftstidende (Aalborg)	Independent	72,700
Fyens Stiftstidende (Odense)	Independent	66,400

Complete freedom of expression, including that in print and electronic media, is guaranteed under the constitution. The media in Denmark are largely independently-operated and are free from government interference.