Who owns the owners? An analysis of ownership patterns in the Norwegian newspaper market

Abstract

This chapter concerns the structure, and particular ownership patterns, of the Norwegian newspaper market. Newspapers constitute an important part of the Nordic media system, and the press has mostly adhered to the principles of the concept of the media welfare state. The state of the press is thus of importance to the state of the Nordic media system. By analysing the Norwegian newspaper market, I aim to answer the following research question: Who are the owners behind the Norwegian media companies, and what is the relationship between these owners? This is important because it illuminates the hidden power structures that exist behind the most prominent media companies in Norway