19.10.2022
Regional Board of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region: The operating conditions of local newspapers must not be weakened
Media plays a key role in mediating information on social issues and in following up decision-making. The realisation of democracy, the communication of pending issues, the participation of people and the rooting in their communities is done through local media.
The Postal Act is to be reformed so that, from the beginning of 2023, the three-day delivery and collection of mail will take place. At the same time, a fixed-term distribution aid for the five-day delivery of newspapers in sparsely populated areas would be introduced.
Finland has a high-quality and vibrant press, the importance of which for democracy and the flow of information is immeasurable. The state must support the right of citizens to have access to printed newspapers in an up-to-date and equal manner, regardless of their place of residence.
However, the Government's proposal would only cover the distribution of newspapers published at least three times a week. This puts 1- and 2-day local and city newspapers already in a challenging situation in an unequal position.
In addition to legislative plans, the outlook for seldom-published local and city newspapers is overshadowed by Posti's product changes that will enter into force at the beginning of 2023, as well as the shift to day-ahead delivery. Based on the distribution aid, Posti has announced that it will introduce regional pricing for newspapers distributed in basic distribution, in which Finland will be divided into three price zones according to the distribution costs. Most local newspapers appear in the most expensive price zone. It is precisely the frequency in cooperation with which these magazines have appeared that has decreased in recent years to 1-2 times a week. Day-ahead delivery, on the other hand, may delay the publication of the magazine by several days.
Although newspaper publishers have developed their services and brought digital content alongside the traditional printed newspaper, the paper newspaper still has a significant audience for a long time. Digitalisation is also slowed down by the lack of high-speed connectivity.
From the point of view of media pluralism and the future of the Finnish press, securing the distribution of newspapers is absolutely essential from the point of view of information. Citizens have the right to diverse, polyphonic and reliable information.
Oulu, 18 October 2022
NORTH NORTH APPLICATION
Jussi Ylitalo
President of the the Board of the Regional Assembly
Pauli Harju
Region Mayor
Additional information:
Jussi Ylitalo, President of the the Board of the Regional Assembly, tel. +358 45 160 6466
Pauli Harju, Regional Director, tel. +358 400 389 152
