Attitudes to Finnish Broadcasting 2003

The survey charted Finnish opinion on television and radio programmes in general, and the programme policy of YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) in particular. Respondents were asked how much they trust political institutions (e.g. Parliament, the government), other institutions (e.g. the Church, the police, universities), voluntary organizations, the media, certain private companies and the European Union. The survey carried a set of attitudinal statements relating to television in general, television and radio channels, and television and radio programmes. Perceptions of YLE's programme policy were studied by asking whether respondents think YLE is able to serve different age, language and interest groups. Groups mentioned included, for example, children and young people, the Sami people, people living in remote rural areas, and the economic and political elite. Respondents assessed with a scale of 4-10 how well YLE has succeeded in certain areas, like in promoting freedom of speech, promoting democracy and tolerance, and providing relaxing entertainment on television, radio and the Internet etc. Attitudes to the programmes of the main television channels were examined with a few attitudinal statements, and also by asking whether television channels provide enough diversity in their programs. Respondents were asked whether the quality of television and radio programmes has improved or got worse during the past year, and whether public service television licence fee (YLE licence fee) provides good value for money. Background variables included respondent's gender, age, basic and vocational education, occupational group, living arrangements, time spent watching television daily, preferred television and radio channels, and which television channels or electronic media the respondent has access to at home (Nelonen, satellite, cable and digital television, and the Internet).