A Journalists Matter mission to Helsinki showcased how Finland is protecting journalists and strengthening media freedom through a media-led National Campaign Committee, chaired by Mediapooli.
The Committee brings together media companies, unions, authorities, and experts four times a year. Among the results of its work was the 2025 annual meeting on the Prosecution of crimes against journalists, which fostered closer ties between media and law enforcement, leading to increased awareness regarding the reporting of online harassment cases.
Other relevant work includes Mediapooli’s guide for influencers, promoting transparency and accountability in public communication, and a media literacy book for all ninth-graders, produced by News Media Finland, which helps build critical skills among young citizens.
Discussions with the Union of Journalists of Finland confirmed that safety levels are generally high, but challenges remain—especially online harassment of women, cuts to public service media, big tech’s impact on revenues, and the vulnerability of freelancers.
Mediapooli itself plays a key role in safeguarding continuity of news during crises, coordinating preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and crisis response while fully respecting editorial independence. It also supports Finland’s broader approach to trust in media, based on strong self-regulation, early media literacy education, and direct news apps that connect citizens to reliable information without algorithmic interference.
The Finnish experience illustrates how trust-based cooperation between media and authorities can strengthen journalist safety without undermining independence. For the Journalists Matter campaign, it offers practical examples—such as crisis training, cyber resilience, and preparedness protocols—and opportunities for study visits and exchanges with other member States.
Further resources:
