It is the clear understanding of the Minister of Culture that TV 2 is considering granting exemptions for Euro Cup events. Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt (M) urges TV 2 to be more lenient in granting exemptions to hold big-screen events during this summer’s Euro Cup. He tells Ritzau news agency, “My ministry has spoken with TV 2 this morning (Wednesday) and I have a clear understanding that TV 2 is working on this.” The media company had previously told Ekstra Bladet newspaper that it would not be possible to gather hundreds of people for big-screen events outside bars and cafes. This decision has faced substantial criticism from a number of politicians at Christiansborg (Danish Parliament), who believe that TV 2 is making a mistake with this ban.
Meanwhile, TV 2 has argued that they are trying to operate a business. “We do not want to give away what we have invested in at a high cost,” said sports director Frederik Lauesen from TV 2 to the newspaper. “When we have purchased a share in the Euro Cup in football, it’s because we believe that we can make a good business out of it,” says TV 2’s Frederik Lauesen to the newspaper. This argument is understood by the Minister of Culture, who considers it a significant part of the story. “TV 2 competes in a market with declining advertising revenue and tough competition. Therefore, as Minister of Culture, I also understand that TV 2 naturally has to make everything work,” he said.
He added, “I hope that TV 2 can make everything work while creating an opportunity to grant exemptions so that the majority of Danes have the opportunity to enjoy the Euro Cup as they usually do,” said Jakob Engel-Schmidt.