<p>This paper examines media debates on academic freedom of expression in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Its aim is to identify the factors that threaten academic freedom of expression and to explore how such threats are addressed. Using an exploratory and comparative approach, the paper contributes to the literature on academic freedom by highlighting how contextual factors shape both the threats to academic freedom of expression and the nature of the debates surrounding it. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the media, students, influential stakeholders, and state interests pose challenges to academic freedom of expression even in high-ranking democracies. The insights offered are essential for safeguarding academic freedom of expression amid growing political, cultural, and societal pressures.</p>