Finland's communications is proposing that a new annual public broadcasting fee to be paid by all households be set at 190-195 euros, according to the newspaper Kaleva.
The payment which will replace the present system of TV license fees may come into force in 2012.
Suvi Lindén told the newspaper that setting the fee at around 190 -195 euros would be both reasonable and ensure the financing of the current operations of the public service Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE.
At the same time, Lindén rejected claims that financing for YLE over the next few years is uncertain. She pointed out that budgeting has already been set for both this year and for 2011.
The chairman of YLE's Administrative Council, Kimmo Sasi, gave his backing to a 195 euro price tag for the planned public broadcasting fee, saying a lower figure would require a rethinking of savings measures by the company.
Sasi added that if more belt-tightening is required, he would propose a possible cutback in broadcasts of costly international sporting events.
A subsidy for Finland's broadcaster?
The new annual public broadcasting fee to be paid by all Finnish households will likely be set at 190-195 euros.
Published: 09.03.2010 14:55
