ABSTRACT
There seems to be something special about Nordic media systems, at least when they are compared with media systems in the rest of world. From different perspectives, it is reasonable to characterize media conditions in the Nordic countries as both extraordinary and exceptional. This definitely holds true for press freedom traditions. Sweden was the first country in the world to establish the principles of public access to documents and press freedom. The Freedom of Information Act in the Swedish Constitution was established in 1766 and is still in practical use, recognizing both the freedom of the press and the right of public access to official documents. Norway soon followed with press freedom established in 1814, and Denmark established its version in 1848.
