Arne Wessberg is happy with the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Working Group, which has been defining the guidelines for radio and TV in Finland for 2010.

YLE Director General Arne Wessberg felt that the proposals made, had positive implications for YLE: "The Working Group's unanimous view of the extensive task of public service is welcome. It is a sign that YLE has managed its task well. An important clarification of policy is now being made, so that full service output will be retained. This is a clearly European interpretation on the matter. It is true that it will present us with extra challenges, for example, in the realm of multiculturalism. Otherwise, too, the profile of public service has been modernized in the Working Group's proposal."

Arne Wessberg believes that the Working Group's proposals regarding television fees will help to clarify the planning of YLE's operation "If the Working Group's proposals are carried out, they will make it possible to put in a sustained effort. We would continue to tighten our belts and cut costs, but as the Working Group proposes, annual increases continuing until 2010 
would permit the programme operation 
to continue and develop without a hitch."

Click here for the full report in Finnish (page 4 in English).