SVT opens back catalogue to public

Swedish public broadcaster SVT has launched an open archive initiative to make its back catalogue of programming available to the general public.

The pubcaster says it ultimately aims to make over 10,000 hours of programming available via the oppetarkiv.se portal. Currently about 800 episodes of 200 different shows are available, and SVT has said it aims to add 50 new titles each month.

The initiative will see a range of drama series, kids shows, entertainment programmes, documentaries and culture and sports events made available. The move follows changes to the law governing copyright and an agreement between SVT and the country’s rights organisations concerning the broadcaster’s self-produced programmes delivered before June 30 2005.

The move is the latest in a series of digital initiatives by the Swedish broadcaster. In February, SVT made its complete line-up of five channels –  SVT1, SVT2, Barnkanalen, Kunskapskanalen and SVT24 – available on the web.