Kerstin Behrendtz (18 August 1950 – 28 March 2020) was a prominent Swedish radio presenter and music editor. She was a long-standing and influential figure at Sveriges Radio, Sweden's national public service radio broadcaster, particularly known for her work on channels P3 and P4.
Early Life and Career Behrendtz began her career at Sveriges Radio in 1969. Over the decades, she became a central force in shaping the musical landscape of Swedish radio. She was instrumental in selecting and curating music for various programs, especially during the 1980s and 1990s, when she had a significant impact on what new music was introduced to the Swedish public. Her discerning ear and deep knowledge of music made her a respected voice within the industry.
Contributions to Swedish Radio and Music Behrendtz was perhaps best known for her role in music programming for P3, a channel targeting younger audiences. She worked on popular shows like "Metropol" and "Nya vågen," which were crucial in introducing new artists and genres to listeners. Her decisions on what music to play often dictated emerging trends and helped launch the careers of numerous Swedish and international acts.
Beyond her daily programming, Behrendtz was a recurring and well-respected member of the jury for Melodifestivalen, Sweden's national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her expertise and critical judgment were highly valued in the competition to find the country's representative.
Retirement and Death Kerstin Behrendtz retired from full-time work at Sveriges Radio in 2017 but continued to be involved in various projects. She passed away on 28 March 2020, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to Swedish radio and a lasting impact on its music culture.