Finnish nature radio programmes awarded state prize for public information

Finland’s long-running nature radio programmes Luontoilta and Naturväktarna have received the 2026 State Award for Public Information, the science and culture ministry announced Monday.

The award, part of the national honours system, recognises outstanding work in disseminating knowledge. Science and Culture Minister Mari-Leena Talvitie (NCP) emphasised that public information strengthens democracy by making complex issues accessible and fostering trust.

The programmes, produced by a team of nearly 20 at Yle, were honoured for engaging audiences and deepening public interest in nature. The citation highlighted their pioneering role in multichannel science communication, with experts answering questions across television, print, books, and online platforms. Both Luontoilta and its Swedish-language counterpart Naturväktarna have aired continuously for over 50 years.

Other recipients included the commissioners of the Sámi Truth and Reconciliation Commission—Hannele Pokka, Irja Jefremoff, Kari Mäkinen, Anni-Siiri Länsman, and Heikki Paltto—for their work in bringing historical injustices to light and advancing societal understanding.

The state prize for non-fiction went to historian Timo R. Stewart for Palestine and Israel: History in Maps, philosopher Leea Lakka for Rebellion in the Back Row, and the late biological anthropologist Sonja Koski for her body of work, including The Chimpanzee Within Us.

Two community awards were also presented: Finnish Wikipedia editors for their sustained collective effort in building and maintaining open knowledge, and the NGO Finnwatch for its investigative reporting and role in stimulating public debate.