Redefining Danish television
Posted on Apr 30, 2025 by FEED Staff
NXTV was launched to create relevant content for a local audience, with a mix of agile production and inclusivity
Words by Neal Romanek
In the picturesque city of Odense, Denmark, a media revolution is quietly unfolding. CEO of NXTV Pernille Callesen is on a mission to evolve local TV by aligning content with current viewer habits and is leading with its agile production methods. Callesen’s blend of youth engagement, innovative production techniques and keen eye on gender equity is redefining what local TV can accomplish in the digital age.
Launched in January 2020, NXTV stands out among Denmark’s 38 local TV stations. At the heart of its approach is a lightweight production workflow that Callesen developed out of necessity, which involves thorough planning, rapid shooting and super-efficient editing. This has resulted in remarkable turnaround times: while regional stations often take about ten days to produce content, NXTV can create similar material in two days.
The station’s focus on efficiency even extends to its environmental consciousness. Production days are carefully planned to minimise travel and fuel use, with multiple shoots in the same area often scheduled to take place on the same day.
“When I first created the station, it was just me, so I had to figure out how to produce high-quality content with limited time and resources,” she recalls. “We have a strict production method because we have little time and few people, but demand for four half-hour programmes every week.”
While NXTV is primarily an online channel, it hasn’t completely abandoned traditional broadcasting. A hybrid approach allows the station to reach a broader audience while staying true to its core mission of modernising local television. It’s a delicate balance that Callesen believes is crucial for the continued success and relevance of the station in today’s media landscape.
Bridging gaps in education, industry and gender equity
NXTV’s content strategy is tailored to engage a younger demographic, primarily viewers aged 18 to 35. The station focuses on creating portraits of entrepreneurs and individuals doing unique things in their communities. These half-hour segments showcase inspiring stories to provide insights into various career paths and educational choices, serving as a valuable resource for young adults navigating their futures.
Upon recognising a significant gap in Denmark’s media education landscape, Callesen has integrated an academy called Medieakademiet into NXTV’s operations. The academy aims to provide real-world experience for students and recent graduates. It offers mentorships and workshops, covering everything from idea development to production, editing, branding and digital publishing.
Callesen also has collaboration agreements with several universities to create practical environments for their students, in an effort to address the lack of hands-on experience in formal media education.
Another key focus is tackling the gender disparity in Denmark’s media production sector. Callesen’s research revealed that women often lose opportunities in these fields during their studies, frequently being relegated to planning and organisational roles in group projects. NXTV and its academy are actively working to change this dynamic by giving female students the chance to explore camera operation, editing and other hands-on production tasks. She aims for balance in the academy’s programmes, targeting a 50/50 or even 60/40 female/male split in gender representation.
“The academy was part of the original business plan when I created the TV station. We envisioned it as a way to create a network between students, businesses and industry,” says Callesen. “In time, with the right sponsors and investors, this could become a place where we develop new technologies that will be part of every business worldwide.”
Forging ahead against the odds
Callesen’s vision extends beyond just revolutionising local TV. She sees NXTV and a new media hub – tentatively called Daybreak Alliance – as potential catalysts for broader change in Denmark’s media landscape. Her ambitious plans for Daybreak Alliance include an innovation component that connects media studies with various industries involving software, AI and other technologies. The goal is to create a hub for knowledge sharing, future planning and ensuring educational programmes stay current. Daybreak Alliance is actively seeking funding and sponsors to help scale up its operations and impact.
Realising this vision will require lots of support. Denmark’s 38 local broadcasters collectively receive about 52 million DKK annually. Callesen argues that current funding is insufficient for getting the next generation ready. But, despite the ongoing challenge of limited resources, she remains optimistic. After all, the journey of NXTV hasn’t been that smooth. She recalls the station’s early days with a mixture of pride and amusement, and says that support from the local community proved crucial.
“We were set to air from 1 January 2020, but I had nothing when we started,” she says. “For a month I was running around producing programmes for a TV station that may or may not be approved. The local community was supportive because they saw the value in this TV station. We had to borrow gear, offices, computers – everything.”
Through it all, Callesen has routinely proved her ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity – a key component of the station’s survival and growth. It’s this spirit that she hopes to instil in the next generation of media professionals.
Download Flint Focus: The Nordics!
The Flint has published its first regional focus, a look at the sustainability successes and challenges in the Nordics’ media industry. Crammed with content on the business, content and tech from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, Flint Focus: The Nordics is a unique survey of the Northern European creative industries and where they stand in the sustainability crisis.
Download with the QR code above! Or visit the website theflint.media/nordics
This feature was first published in the Spring 2025 issue of FEED.
