Panu Pokkinen, Yle news and sports editor-in-chief, dies at 49

Panu Pokkinen, the editor-in-chief of Yle’s news and sports division, died on Wednesday at the age of 49 following a cardiac arrest, Yle reports.

Former Yle director general Merja Ylä-Anttila described Pokkinen as a determined, strategic, and reform-driven journalist. She recalled his energy and leadership during a difficult period of major restructuring at the broadcaster, where he took on responsibility even for unpopular decisions.

Ylä-Anttila remembered Pokkinen as a cheerful, humorous figure who maintained strong connections with people, even sharing social media updates about workplace cafeteria events. She noted his dedication to family, basketball, and personal fitness, calling him “a child of the sun.”

Matti Apunen, a longtime colleague and former chair of Yle’s board, knew Pokkinen since childhood through their fathers’ work at Aamulehti. He highlighted Pokkinen’s passion for journalism and sports, as well as his ability to distinguish between major and minor challenges—a crucial trait in leading a large organization. Apunen said Pokkinen was always forward-looking, with the endurance of a long-distance runner.

Mikko Alatalo, a music advisor and Yle board member, praised Pokkinen as a constructive force who boldly advanced Yle’s news and sports divisions. Alatalo, also from Tampere, sent condolences to Pokkinen’s family, calling his death a significant loss for Yle.

Kalervo Kummola, former mayor of Tampere and a longtime sports figure, knew Pokkinen for decades. He described him as a true Tampere native and a man “at the very top of his game.”

Basketball coach Henrik Dettmann, in a text message to Yle, called Pokkinen “a wonderful person, a beloved member of the basketball family in everyday life and behind the scenes.”