The parliamentary Yle working group published its report, Merja Ylä-Anttila: We are facing difficult decisions

13th September 2024

The Parliamentary working group charged to assess the operations and the future of Yle’s funding published its report, announcing heavy cuts in the budget of the public broadcaster.

Petteri Bülow / Yle

This piece was originally published by Yle and is republished with permission.

“Yle will continue to be a reliable provider of information and a home for a diverse cultural offering that builds a sense of community,” assures CEO Merja Ylä-Anttila.

The parliamentary Yle working group published its report on September 12, 2024. According to the report, no statutory index adjustment will be made for the years 2025 to 2027, which means a cut of approximately 47 million euros. Additionally, the value-added tax that Yle pays on its allocated appropriation will be raised from 10 to 14 percent starting from January 1, 2026. This change means that Yle’s annual funding will decrease by approximately 19 million euros.

“It is clear that cuts of this magnitude will lead to changes for Yle and the offerings that Finns are accustomed to. We are likely facing difficult decisions,” says Yle’s CEO Merja Ylä-Anttila.

The working group also proposes that Yle opens up its operations and finances as broadly as possible. Additionally, according to the proposal, Yle will increase the purchase of domestic productions, production services, and broadcasting and usage fees by 15-20 percent by the year 2030.

“Despite the need for savings, we are continuing to invest in Yle’s digital services so that we can serve Finns regardless of where and how they use media. We will ensure that Yle continues to be a provider of reliable information and a home to a diverse cultural offering that builds a sense of community in Finland. In this way, we also take care of our duty to contribute to the security of supply”, says Ylä-Anttila.

Listen toour podcast

Uncovering and exploring the biggest
issues facing public media

Listen

The measures begin during the year 2024

The working group emphasises the independence of Yle and that it is safeguarded in accordance with the new Media Freedom Act.

“Despite the cuts, we will continue to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, investigate whom we might not be reaching, and ensure that journalism and culture are present even in small communities” – Matti Apunen, Chairman of Yle Board

“Independence is at the core of Yle’s entire operation. Yle’s role in security of supply and its extensive public service mission are also seen as essential in the report. Yle’s role in terms of emergency preparedness and as a promoter of democracy, culture, and cohesion requires that everyone can feel that Yle is there for them and that everyone can find meaningful content”, says Ylä-Anttila.

“Yle has always had a special mission to serve all Finns, and we do not choose our audiences. Despite the cuts, we will continue to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, investigate whom we might not be reaching, and ensure that journalism and culture are present even in small communities”, states Yle’s Chairman of the Board Matti Apunen.

The decision extends to the year 2030.

“A solution that spans beyond the electoral term is valuable. It creates predictability and stability in an ever-changing media landscape. Long-term parliamentary decision-making is also the foundation upon which Yle’s independence, reliability and impartiality are built”, says Ylä-Anttila.

Yle is now carefully reviewing the report and drawing conclusions based on it. The actions, rooted in the plans that the conclusions may lead to, begin during the year 2024. In October 2023, the Government appointed a parliamentary working group to assess Yle’s public service mission and funding. The working group commenced its work on October 12, 2023.