Yle says investigative journalism remains central to its mission

Investigative journalism remains at the heart of Yle’s mission and cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence or automation, acting editor-in-chief Alex Fager writes in a column published by Yle.

Eight in 10 Finns trust Yle, Fager says, calling that trust both earned and a privilege. He says it must be renewed with every word, image and sound, and that it gives journalists a foundation from which to ask difficult questions and pursue information that is hard to find.

As Yle’s investigative journalism programme MOT marks 30 years, Fager reflects on the broader social importance of investigative reporting. Thorough reporting can influence decision-making, lead to policy changes and help address problems, he writes. Its impact comes not from speed or controversy, but from findings that withstand scrutiny and help society understand itself.

One example is MOT’s award-winning programme Petostehdas, which examined how online scams work and told the stories of both victims and scammers. MOT has also investigated doctors who committed serious treatment errors and lost their right to practise, as well as serious crises on a discussion service for young people and the lack of adequate adult support.

Yle’s investigations have also examined abuses of power in political decision-making, the use of public funds and the work of authorities. Reporting on Fortum’s investments in Russia and Uniper, state funding for Terrafame, and police officers’ violent crimes has raised questions about accountability, public spending and trust in official conduct.

Earlier this year, MOT reported a case in which a police officer assaulted a 16-year-old boy. The patrol leader received a six-month suspended sentence for assault and resigned from the post.

Over the decades, MOT has become a byword for thorough, independent journalism, Fager writes. Yle’s investigative journalism has expanded beyond television to include teams specialising in verification and data journalism, as well as investigative work in local news.

Fager says the work helps strengthen popular sovereignty and support democracy, and will remain central to Yle’s mission.