Yle still weighs new Tampere premises as Tohlopi decision remains open

Yle is continuing to examine possible new premises in Tampere, but has not decided whether to leave its current facilities in Tohlopi, the Finnish public broadcaster said, according to Yle.

Maaseudun Tulevaisuus reported on Thursday that Yle would definitely end its operations in Tohlopi by 2032. Yle Chief Executive Marit af Björkesten said the company had made no such decision.

“The only thing that is certain is that our current fixed-term lease ends in September 2032,” af Björkesten told Yle News.

Yle is reviewing different options, and a move is considered likely if suitable premises are found. It could take place before 2032.

The broadcaster’s current facilities at Mediapolis do not fully meet its needs, af Björkesten said. Media operations have changed, with lighter technology, more remote work and less need for large studios.

One possible location could be in central Tampere. Af Björkesten said news operations would benefit from being close to people and events. Yle is also discussing different options with the City of Tampere, as construction and property development continue in the city.

Any decision on the premises would not affect the volume or quality of content produced in Tampere, according to af Björkesten. Yle is running a savings programme and is seeking to reduce premises costs in Tampere as well.

Across Finland, Yle has reduced its office space by about 23 percent over the past decade. In Pasila, Helsinki, the broadcaster has given up nearly 40 percent of its premises.