The EBU was shocked and saddened by the death of Martti Partanen, Director of Finance of Yleisradio (YLE). Martti, who was only 50, died suddenly in Amsterdam on 12 September during a working trip with the Administrative Council of YLE.

Martti Partanen was President of the EBU Finance Assembly, Chairman of the EBU Finance Group, Financial Controller of the Eurosport Consortium and President of the CIRAP Group.

He played a leading role in the integration of central and eastern European members into the EBU and in the financial restructuring of the Union that began in the mid-1990s. Completely committed to the ideals of public service broadcasting, he did much to defend members’ interests throughout the European broadcasting area and was a strong advocate of members becoming more accountable and transparent to their public.

Not only was Martti acknowledged as a great professional by the finance community within the Union, the Permanent Services and by the many non-financial colleagues with whom he came into contact; he was also a good friend to many.

He will be deeply missed.

The Union extends its heartfelt sympathies to his wife Riita and their daughter Jonna.