National broadcasting, international audiences: How cultural difference is represented in the Danish television dramas Ride upon the Storm, Liberty and Greyzone

Abstract

Denmark represents a noteworthy – and rather successful – example of where state-funded public service broadcasters have retained strong branding locally while asserting an online streaming presence and negotiating sustainable transnational partnerships for future collaboration, thus consolidating domestic and international markets. This article analyses the impact of the shift away from national broadcasting towards transnational production cultures on the Danish domestic market, historically dominated by local public service broadcasters: Danmarks Radio and TV2. Using the television dramas Ride upon the Storm, Liberty and Greyzone as case studies, the article examines the idea that trends towards harnessing global audiences and fostering transnational production collaborations may partially undermine the distinctive cultural and linguistic features of Danish television drama.