Finland’s YLE could cut over 300 jobs in bid to slash budget by $69m

Finnish broadcaster YLE has announced a restructuring as it attempts to reduce its budget by €66m (US$69m) over the next three years, putting several hundred jobs under threat.

Jere Nurminen

The company has announced 1,700 employees will be included in the negotiations, which could lead to about 375 redundancies. A two-phase cost-saving plan was put to staff on Wednesday morning.

The cutbacks follow a decision about the broadcaster’s funding model made by a parliamentary working group in September.

“At this stage, it is impossible to estimate the exact impact of the savings programme on YLE’s offerings or commissions,” Jere Nurminen, YLE’s head of communication, told C21.

“The parliamentary working group’s report also required YLE to increase purchases of domestic productions, production services and performance and usage fees by 15-20% by 2030. The increase amounts to €11-15m. The main focus of the purchase obligation increase is likely to be in the latter part of the decade.”

In the first phase, covering 2025/26, the company will look for budget cuts totalling about €50m. The planning of the second phase will begin in spring 2025 when the effects of the first phase become clear.

YLE CEO Merja Ylä-Anttila told staff the plan applies to the entire organisation, as the company streamlines operations and puts investments and development projects on hold. The cost-cutting plan also calls for a review of the company’s real estate holdings, with a reduction likely as more compact working spaces are introduced.

YLE is also looking to increase the use of AI in all its operations, Ylä-Anttila said.