Legislative projects for implementing the policies of YLE working group to be launched

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched legislative projects to implement the policies of the parliamentary working group assessing the public service duties and funding of the Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE. To increase the transparency of YLE’s operations and finances, the working group proposed in its report of 12 September 2024 cuts to YLE's funding and amendments to the YLE Act.

The aim of the project on amending the YLE Act is to promote the principle of openness in the activities of the company as outlined by the working group. In order to safeguard YLE’s independence, the Finnish Act would include provisions, in accordance with the EU Media Freedom Act, on appointment and dismissal procedures concerning people responsible for editorial decisions.

The working group proposed in its report that the annual index increases to YLE’s funding be frozen for three years in 2025–2027. In order to implement this, the second legislative project would amend the Act on the National Television and Radio Fund. In practice, no annual index increases would be made in 2025, 2026 and 2027 to the appropriation from the national budget to the Television and Radio Fund for covering the costs arising from the public service.

What’s next?

The legislative amendments will be prepared by public officials. The preparation processes of both projects will include a consultation round.

The government proposal on the National Television and Radio Fund is included in the amendment to the 2025 budget proposal and will be discussed in that context. The Act is due to enter into force on 1 January 2025.

Inquiries:

Roosa Patrakka, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 192
Eero Salojärvi, Senior Specialist, [email protected], tel. +358 295 324 123
Sini Wirén, Director of Unit, [email protected], tel. +358 295 342 532