After more than 40 years in Norwegian homes, NRK will shut down its teletext service from 20 August. The decision comes after the service has become increasingly difficult to maintain in recent years, with frequent technical problems as a result.
“The risk of several serious errors has led us to this difficult decision,” NRK states.
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From revolution to decommissioning
Teletext made Norwegian media history when it was launched on 2 February 1983. In an era before the internet, the service became an important source for news, sports, weather, and entertainment. Generations of Norwegians grew up scrolling through the teletext pages to check results, read the news or see TV program information.
A global phenomenon is going to the grave
Teletext was an international success in the 1980s and 90s. The UK’s Ceefax (BBC) and ORACLE (ITV) were among the first, while Norway’s teletext came relatively late. Germany had Bildschirmtext, Sweden Teletext, and Finland FBT. Across Europe, teletext became an important part of the TV experience.
The future is digital
NRK emphasizes that all information that was previously available on teletext is now available on nrk.no and NRK’s other digital platforms. The closure marks the end of an era, but also a natural transition to modern media solutions.
“Technology has evolved, and users have developed new habits,” NRK states.
For many Norwegians, however, this will be the end of a cherished chapter in media history. Teletext was more than an information service – it was a cultural heritage that shaped Norwegian media use for decades.
Now the last page is going for good.
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