Parliamentary working group to assess YLE’s duties and funding

Ministry of Transport and Communications
Publication date 12.10.2023 13.35 | Published in English on 13.10.2023 at 14.09
Press release
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Woman using a lap top on the couch. (Image: Mika Pakarinen, Keksi/LVM)

The Finnish Government has appointed a parliamentary working group to assess the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s (YLE) public service duties and funding. The parliamentary working group will submit its report by the end of Parliament’s spring session 2024.

The working group will evaluate YLE’s funding, its relationship with the commercial media and the need to amend the Act on the Finnish Broadcasting Company, as well as specify YLE’s duties. The parliamentary working group consists of representatives of all parliamentary parties.

In accordance with the Government Programme, the funding and the use of funds of YLE will be made public within the framework of the Limited Liability Companies Act. The aim is for YLE to set an example in openness and efficient use of funds. YLE’s independence and editorial neutrality will be strengthened.

The working group will prepare a report that, as per the Government Programme, must be ready by the end of Parliament’s spring session 2024.

The working group is chaired by Member of Parliament Matias Marttinen (Coalition Party).

The other Members of Parliament in the working group are:
Mari-Leena Talvitie (Coalition Party)
Joakim Vigelius (Finns Party)
Teemu Keskisarja (Finns Party)
Maria Guzenina (Social Democrats)
Johan Kvarnström (Social Democrats)
Jouni Ovaska (Centre Party)
Jenni Pitko (Green Party)
Jussi Saramo (Left Alliance)
Mikko Ollikainen (Swedish People’s Party)
Mika Poutala (Christian Democrats)
Harry Harkimo (Liike Nyt Movement)

The Act on the Finnish Broadcasting Company lays down provisions on YLE’s activities and public service duties. The Administrative Council, which consists of Members of Parliament from all parliamentary parties, is responsible for supervising YLE and for carrying out its duties.

According to established practice, the preparation of changes to YLE’s duties, funding and supervision is carried out at parliamentary level, which means that each parliamentary party participates in the preparation.

Inquiries:

Roosa Patrakka, Senior Officer, roosa.patrakka(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 192

Eero Salojärvi, Senior Officer, eero.salojarvi(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 324 123

Sini Wirén, Director of Unit, sini.wiren(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342 532 (from 16 August)