The Well Said project: “Yle’s act for a functioning democracy”

Hyvin sanottu – Bra sagt (The Well Said project) is a five-year initiative led by the Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle and the Timeout Foundation, an organisation that encourages public engagement in constructive and respectful discussions. The initiative aims to strengthen Finland’s conversational culture, fostering better conversations that “take multiple perspectives into account’” and ultimately improving people’s mutual trust and understanding of each other.

The programme has a network of more than 150 partner organisations, ranging from the office of the Finnish President to sports clubs. It is a multi-platform initiative that produces interactive content such as online quizzes and games, and ‘Hyvin sanottu’-labelled conversations, news stories and information on radio, television, online and social media channels. It also operates as part of different events, such as an annual dialogue festival and training offered by the Timeout Foundation to improve dialogue methods for people from different backgrounds.

The project also conducts surveys and studies on Finland’s discussion culture. According to a survey conducted by Yle in 2020, more than half of Finns felt that the tone of the social debate was too heated, and a quarter of Finns felt that they didn’t want to share their thoughts on social issues for fear of other people’s reactions. The Well Said project was designed to offer Finns tools to develop their listening skills and shows the benefits of respecting each other in a conversational situation, Markus Liimatainen, a producer of The Well Said project, told PMA.

“We aim to raise the quality of the current discussion atmosphere and to inspire people into a more respectful discussion where different opinions and perspectives are heard and welcomed,” Mr Liimatainen said. “Finns – Yle’s audience and members of society – should be able to feel that their thoughts and opinions are valuable and they are able to take part in public discussion.

He also emphasised how the project is “Yle’s act for a functioning democracy and a whole society”, and for increasing trust in Yle. “In order to support democracy, strengthen trust in society in the future, we need everyone involved. The experience of being heard and seen can be supported by actions and by inviting different people. With a variety of events and actions, we increase participation and the feeling of participation in our society. This also increases the trust of Yle as a trustworthy provider of services.”

Projects like this are timelier and more important than ever before with increased polarisation and tensions across many societies worldwide. Much of this has stemmed from divisive views on the COVID-19 pandemic; rising mis- and disinformation; politics and authoritarian regimes; climate change and other global, social issues in more recent years. All this has been facilitated and fuelled in large parts through social media.

From podcasts and community events launched by public radio stations to bridge the cultural and political divide in the United States, to television series that aim to challenge entrenched beliefs about refugees in Australia, more public media organisations are recognising the unique role they have – as impartial media – to help heal divisions and establish unity, and counter misinformation and hate speech.

Entering its second year and running until 2026, The Well Said project is continuously looking to evolve, based on collaborations with partners, and research into the needs and concerns of people in Finland.

“In order to support democracy, strengthen trust in society in the future, we need everyone involved. With a variety of events and actions, we increase participation and the feeling of participation in our society. This also increases the trust of Yle as a trustworthy provider of services.” – Markus Liimatainen, Producer, The Well Said Project