Early sketches of Jope Ruonansuu digitised in major project

A trove of local television recordings from the late 1980s, including the first TV sketches of Finnish comedian Jope Ruonansuu, has been digitised in a large-scale effort, reports Yle.

The tapes, preserved for 35 years by Pentti Laitinen, a former director of the Kalottikanava local TV channel, have been converted from U-matic format to digital. The material includes programmes from Kalottikanava, which broadcast in Tornio, Kemi, and Keminmaa between 1988 and 1990.

Laitinen had stored the tapes through multiple moves, eventually filling his office. The digitisation was carried out by Juha Jauhiainen and Tuula Nylund of Digiommel, who transported the tapes from Kemi to their studio in Espoo.

Turku University historian Paavo Oinonen called the digitisation a significant cultural achievement, ensuring regional media history remains accessible for researchers. The material will be archived at the National Audiovisual Institute and uploaded to Kalottikanava’s YouTube channel.

Kalottikanava, operated by Laitinen, Ismo Äijälä, and Antti Kivekkä, produced news, current affairs, cultural, sports, and entertainment programmes, initially airing one hour weekly and later daily half-hour segments at its peak.