New Mass Media Council Chairman believes in self-regulation of media

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Risto Uimonen, 62, a veteran journalist who has written a book about the power of the media, believes that newspapers and other traditional media outlets will survive for at least the next 15 years, even though their profitability is being eroded by the splintering of target groups, free distribution newspapers, and the Internet.
      Uimonen, who was named the new Chairman of the Council for Mass Media in Finland on Tuesday, sees some unhealthy characteristics in how various media outlets fight for the attention of the public:
      “Alongside quality journalism, light low-brow content has emerged, which is used to pander to the masses and to youth. I cannot believe that it brings economic benefits, because there is the danger that loyal readers will be lost, and will not be replaced by new ones.”
     
Loss of credibility is the biggest threat facing the media, says Uimonen, a veteran journalist and non-fiction author, who recently retired form the newspaper Kaleva.
      He also notes that journalism in Finland is of a very high standard - “at least among the top six” by international comparisons.
      Uimonen begins his three-year part-time job on the council in February. He was chosen to the post as a supporter of journalistic self-regulation. He was also seen as a person who could restore confidence in the council.
     
Confidence has been shaken by recent contradictory decisions made by the council, which culminated in the resignation earlier this month of the previous chairman Pekka Hyvärinen.
      Hyvärinen’s resignation was prompted by the council’s decision to exonerate the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) over a story on a current affairs TV programme alleging that Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) had received a gift of free lumber from a construction company - implicitly in exchange for a contract from a youth housing foundation that Vanhanen chaired.
      Uimonen has previously let it be understood that he agrees with Hyvärinen on the matter. Now, as the new chairman, he does not want to criticise the decisions of the council, noting that there is no point in opening old wounds, and that it is important to learn from experience.
     
Risto Uimonen is confident that one serious crisis in the 40-year history of the council has not destroyed the system itself.
      “I feel that the system is very healthy. This kind of a body exists in other Western countries as well, and nowhere has consideration been given to giving it up”, Uimomen says. He feels that increasing the number of representatives of the public on the council might be considered.
     
One way to restore confidence in Uimonen’s view would be to make new decisions which would form a sustainable policy line. Tasks of the Council for Mass Media in Finland include both the monitoring of guidelines drawn up by journalists themselves, as well as the defence of freedom of expression.
      Uimonen observes that as the council takes a tougher line in its decisions than would be required by legislation, it is not just a question of interpreting good journalistic practice, it is also a defence of freedom of expression.
     
Journalists’ ethical rules are now in the process of being rewritten. Changes are expected on matters such as protection of journalistic sources, and guidelines for interviewing children.
      There has also been discussion on whether the role of the Council for Mass Media might be strengthened by making its chairperson a full-time position, as is the case in Sweden.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Council for Mass Media exonerates YLE on Vanhanen board story - chairman Hyvärinen resigns (11.12.2009)

Links:
  Council for Mass Media in Finland

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