Since 1960, Swedes have sat down in front of the television at 3pm on Christmas Eve to watch “Donald Duck and his friends wish you a happy Christmas”. To this day, the tradition has continued, and during Christmas 2023, 3.4 million sat down in front of the television to watch short cartoons by Disney.
Despite stable viewing figures, the future of Donald Duck’s Christmas is uncertain.
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SVT: Everyone will be able to watch Donald Duck’s Christmas this year
Earlier this week could News24 report that Donald Duck’s Christmas will not be able to be seen by everyone. Earlier this year, some viewers experienced technical problems when tuning into the show.
“Previously, it appeared that several devices would suffer from a technical limitation and not be able to see Donald Duck on Christmas Eve on SVT Play, but it should now be technically resolved. With the exception of the older platforms LG 2014-2015,” SVT wrote on its website.
However, the program must still be available to everyone via SVT Play on mobile or tablet.
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Uncertain future for Donald Duck’s Christmas:
In an interview with Göteborgs-Posten, SVT’s purchasing manager explains Karolina Stallwood that the channel’s ambition is to always broadcast the programme. However, she does not want to answer how the negotiations with Disney are going, and whether they take place annually.
– SVT’s agreement with Disney is secret, she tells the newspaper.
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In 2020, Disney launched its streaming service Disney+ and in connection with this made “Donald Duck and his friends wish you a merry Christmas” available all year round for the Swedes. In connection with this, they also stopped selling their general programs to television companies, with one exception: Donald Duck’s Christmas.
– We know that Kalle is loved by the Swedish audience and that there would be an outcry if the program disappeared from the table, but at the same time we have a responsibility for what SVT’s tax money goes to, says Stallwood to GP.
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Donald Duck’s Christmas may not air in 2025
When asked if Stallwood can promise viewers that they will get to see “Donald Duck and Friends Wish a Merry Christmas” next year, she cannot confirm anything.
– No, I can’t do that. I’m sorry. But I can assure you that we have that ambition, she says GP.
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