TV2 and Telia in Norwegian distribution row

Telco Telia’s customers in Norway do not currently have access to commercial and pay-television broadcaster TV2’s channels following on from the pair failing to agree a renewal on their distribution agreement in the country.

Telia, which operates the cable-television platform Get in Norway, and TV2 had until the end of May to agree a new distribution agreement.

Pål Rune Kaalen, head of Telia Norge, said: “We still want to find a good solution with TV2, so that together we can continue to create good viewing experiences in the future ahead for the benefit of all parties.

“Our door is open and we sit down at any time to negotiate further.”

TV2 currently holds rights to the English Premier League in Norway, the most popular football property in the country, as well as Uefa Champions League and Europa League, and the country’s top-tier ice hockey league, the Get-ligaen.

The broadcaster has recently picked up exclusive rights to both Champions League and Spain’s LaLiga from 2021-22. It will, however, lose rights to the English Premier League from 2022-23, following rival Nordic Entertainment (Nent) Group’s landmark six-season deal.

This is not the first time this year that a broadcaster has suffered a blackout on Telia’s platform. In March, international media group Discovery’s channels were unavailable to Telia customers for six days before the two eventually negotiated a deal.