Finland’s largest commercial media company Sanoma has asked the EU competition authorities to clarify Yle’s right to publish content on Yle Areena’s streaming platform and the company’s ability to publish educational content.
This is the result of a previous complaint by the Media Association, a trustee for privately owned media companies, which sought to restrict Yle’s right to publish written content online.
This led to a change in Yle’s law, which is currently passing through Parliament.
According to Sanoma, its goal is to clarify Yle’s compliance with EU competition rules.
"According to the regulations, the tasks of the public media should be clearly defined and regulated by an appropriate body," said Sanoma’s communications manager Hanna Johde.
Yle’s position is that the complaint threatens Yle’s ability to provide the same service as Finland has expected.
One aspect is that Yle should limit the content of the time available so that it is removed from the Arena at a certain point after it has been broadcast on linear television or radio.
"Undermining the beloved and respected Yle Areena online service would have a serious impact – not only on Finnish media users but also on domestic cultural content. It also does not strengthen media companies operating in national markets, but increases the dominance of large international platforms. Tying Yle Arena’s operations to the transmission of linear broadcasts would mean a long-term deterioration of the public service as a whole," said Merja Ylä-Anttila, Yle’s CEO.
Chairman of Yle’s Supervisory Board Arto Satonen (NCP) defended Yle Areena and Yle’s training services by saying in a press release that Yle Arena’s current form was in accordance with the law and part of Yle’s tasks.
It can take years for the EU competition authority to form a view and take a decision.
Source: The Nordic Page