Launched in 1969 by Sveriges Radio, the channel was until the 1990s the most watched in Sweden but now serves as SVT's specialist television network, carrying more highbrow and minority programming compared to the more mainstream SVT1.

Some wanted the new channel to be private and funded by advertising, but it was decided that the public service broadcaster, Sveriges Radio, would take responsibility.

A revamp in 1972 saw Rapport move to 7.30 pm and introduce a broader format, eventually establishing the programme as the most-watched Swedish television news.

Having gradually introduced regional news services across the country, TV2 was relaunched as the Sweden Channel (Sverigekanalen) on 31 August 1987.

The increasing competition led to a relaunch as SVT2 in 1996, with programming from both Stockholm and the regional centres now shared between both channels.

A major corporate revamp in 2001 saw SVT2 repositioned as a more specialist channel with SVT1 taking a broader, mainstream profile.

During the daytime on most weekdays, SVT Forum, the network's umbrella programme for live current events, airs.

At 5:15 pm (17:15), SVT2 begins its evening schedule with three minority-language news bulletins: Ođđasat (Sami), Nyhetstecken (Swedish Sign Language), and Uutiset (Finnish), followed by a documentary programme.