Review says Yle uses public funds efficiently

Yle uses its funding efficiently, but must keep improving as the media landscape changes, according to an external review commissioned by the broadcaster’s supervisory board and reported by Yle.

Yle’s annual real-term costs fell by 15 percent between 2014 and 2025, while its workforce shrank by 17 percent. Savings measures already under way are expected to reduce costs by a further 66 million euros by 2027.

Yle chief executive Marit af Björkesten said operating with public funds required both efficiency and impact. The review’s findings would encourage Yle to continue working efficiently and renewing itself to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging global media market, she said in a statement.

The review found that Yle’s overall impact and reach compared well with public broadcasters in other Nordic countries. It reaches 91 percent of Finns each week, although several measures of its impact, including its perceived relevance and public trust, have declined in recent years. Competition with international platforms is also intensifying.

Denmark’s public broadcaster achieves a similar weekly reach with about 8 percent less funding per person, the review said. However, it concluded that significant additional savings at Yle would require cuts to existing services or their quality.

Public funding per person in 2025 was 102 euros in Norway, 96 euros in Finland, 88 euros in Denmark and 80 euros in Sweden, according to the review, conducted by consultancy Spring Advisor.

The supervisory board commissioned the review after a change to the Yle Act took effect last year, requiring it to oversee the efficient and transparent use of public-service funds. The board is Yle’s highest decision-making body, and its members are elected by Parliament.