Many Icelanders Unclear on How the Media Is Regulated, Study Shows

2026-02-03 - 13:47

A new Nordic study suggests people in Iceland are less familiar with how the media is regulated and funded than their neighbours across the region. The research, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, gathered responses from Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. What's the Story? Nordic media literacy survey covering Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland Lower public awareness in Iceland of media law, public-service roles and right of reply Icelanders report less daily use of print and television news; higher radio listening Children aged 9–15 in Iceland show lower daily news consumption than Nordic peers Credit: Pickpik. Public Awareness Compared As reported by Iceland Monitor, the survey explored public understanding of journalism, news habits and the growing role of digital platforms and artificial intelligence. Findings indicate that Icelandic respondents are less aware of which outlets carry formal public-service obligations, the legal responsibility held by editors, and the right of individuals to respond when incorrect information is published. Knowledge about whether media organisations rely on advertising or public funding was also found to be comparatively limited. Perceptions of television news were more sceptical in Iceland than elsewhere. Participants were less likely to view broadcasts as fully objective, wide-ranging in viewpoint, or supportive of democratic debate. “It is worth considering the media landscape in a small country, especially given that Icelandic media outlets have far more limited financial resources to conduct investigative journalism, provide in-depth reporting, and produce high-quality news programmes,” said Elfa Ýr Gylfadóttir, Executive Director of the Icelandic Media Commission. Usage patterns also differ. Icelanders report higher radio listening and broad access to free online news, while daily print and television news use is lower. Among social platforms, Facebook and Messenger are widely used, whereas WhatsApp and X see less uptake. Children aged 9–15 in Iceland also reported lower daily news consumption than peers elsewhere in the Nordics. Sweden recorded the highest levels of youth social media use.