Strategic Shift to Saturday Nights

Beginning January 7, 2023, the popular Swedish game show Bingolotto will move from its Sunday evening slot on TV4 to a new Saturday schedule on the channel Sjuan. The decision, aimed at better aligning with the association life of its participants, has triggered significant debate among the show’s long-term viewers.

Strategic Shift to Saturday Nights

The decision to relocate Bingolotto marks a return to the program’s roots. According to reports, the production team at the non-profit organization Folkspel opted for the change to better accommodate the schedules of the associations that rely on the show. Hans Sahlin, the outgoing CEO of Folkspel, explained that while Sundays are often filled with various activities for the target audience between 18:00 and 20:00, Saturdays provide a more suitable window for the program to function as the kickoff to a weekend evening. Now we look forward with excitement to broadcasting on Saturdays and being the start of a pleasant evening for all, Sahlin stated in a press release. As we in many ways turn to association life, there are significantly more activities on a Sunday between 18–20 than at the same time on Saturdays. By returning to the original day, more people will be able to join us.

The new schedule maintains the traditional two-hour runtime, airing from 18:00 to 20:00. While the move to Sjuan removes the 30-minute interruption previously caused by TV4’s news broadcasts, the show will continue to feature commercial breaks. John Sarafian, the program’s press contact, confirmed in a message that despite the change in channel, the advertising structure remains in place for the upcoming season, noting simply: Advertising is included even in the next season. Bingolotto will also continue to be available on TV4 Play.

Viewer Reaction and Concerns

The announcement has sparked a polarized response from the audience. Many viewers expressed frustration on social media regarding the channel switch, citing concerns over accessibility and cost. One viewer wrote on Facebook: Why change channel and change day. Unnecessary. Another added: It is better to change broadcast times. Dinner becomes stressful when you have to get everything done by 18.00. Then it was better with the Bingo that was broadcast in the summer when it started at 19.30. Then we stop playing at the New Year.

Others noted that not all households have access to Sjuan, leading to complaints that the move creates an unnecessary barrier for older demographics. Everyone doesn’t have access to TV7, it’s a big scandal for us older people who can’t afford to pay for a lot of channels, wrote one viewer. When questioned about the removal of commercials, another viewer asked, Do they remove the advertising too? to which a response followed: Ha, ha, ha, no, there will surely be more.

Leadership Transition at Folkspel

The scheduling change coincides with a significant leadership transition at the organization behind the broadcast. Hans Sahlin, who has served as the CEO of Folkspel and overseen Bingolotto for nearly two decades, is stepping down. During his tenure, Sahlin was present during high-profile guests including David Bowie, Dolly Parton, Céline Dion, and Elton John. His career at the organization also included the hiring and dismissing of Ingvar Oldsberg, and even receiving death threats. Reflecting on his departure, Sahlin noted: It is the absolutely greatest for me, referring to a specific memory of a guest who interrupted a broadcast.

As the show prepares to move to Sjuan with hosts Lotta Engberg, 59, and Stefan Odelberg, 48, the production team faces the challenge of maintaining its audience numbers while navigating a changing television landscape. Recent episodes have featured guests such as Sanna Nielsen, continuing the show’s tradition of mixing celebrity appearances with the opportunity for the Swedish public to win both cars and millions.

Sources: HANT, TTELA.