Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE
1. Duties of the Finnish Broadcasting Company
The Finnish Broadcasting Company Ltd has public service duties laid down in law. For instance, YLE produces programmes and services in Finnish and Swedish - and also in Sami and Roma language and in sign language. YLE's diverse television, radio and internet programme services are accessible to all people in Finland, regardless of their income level or place of residence.
The administrative organs as laid down in law, ultimately the Administrative Council appointed by Parliament, are responsible for the Finnish Broadcasting Company's operations.
2. Funding of the Finnish Broadcasting Company
The Government drafts legislation on the Finnish Broadcasting Company and ensures the funding of public service. Additionally, the Government also decides on the radio frequencies allocated to YLE.
YLE's operations are funded through television licence fees until the end of 2012. The company is not permitted to broadcast advertisements.
From the beginning of 2013 the costs of YLE's public service will be funded by a public service broadcasting tax, which will be 0.68 per cent of a taxpayer's total earned and capital income.
The amount of the public service broadcasting tax for businesses and other taxable entities is based on taxable income; the amount of the tax is EUR 140 if the taxable income exceeds EUR 50,000 per year. The tax on the part exceeding this limit will be 0.35 per cent up to a maximum of EUR 3,000 a year.