The Independence Day Reception remained the most-watched TV programme – Finns watch Yle the most. LEHTIKUVA
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Finland’s most-watched TV broadcasts of 2024 highlighted moments of national significance, with events such as Independence Day celebrations, the presidential election, and major sporting events drawing millions to Yle’s channels. Eight of the top ten broadcasts of the year aired on Yle.
The most-watched programme of the year was the Independence Day edition of Yle News at 20:30, which attracted an average of 2.254 million viewers.
Surrounding coverage of the Presidential Independence Day Reception, widely known as the “Linnan juhlat,” also saw significant audiences, with 2.25 million viewers before the news and 2.07 million after.
The presidential election also captivated the public. Coverage of the results evening for both rounds averaged 1.4 million viewers, and debates from both rounds exceeded one million viewers.
The Eurovision Song Contest and Finland’s own UMK24 (New Music Competition) proved immensely popular, drawing 1.15 million and 1.3 million viewers, respectively, underscoring the country’s enthusiasm for Eurovision.
Sporting events held their usual sway over Finnish viewers. Yle TV2’s highest-rated broadcasts included the men’s javelin final at the Paris Olympics, which drew 1.31 million viewers, and the women’s finals in hammer throw (1.22 million) and pole vault (1.2 million). The UEFA European Football Championship final attracted 1.14 million viewers.
In total, 19 Yle programmes in 2024 achieved an average television audience of over one million viewers.
“Despite claims of fragmented media habits, shared experiences remain a cornerstone of Finnish life,” said Petri Jauhiainen, Yle’s Head of Media. “It’s heartening to see how a variety of events, from current affairs to cultural and sporting moments, bring people together. Yle is proud to provide these shared moments for the nation.”
Yle remained the most-watched broadcaster in Finland last year, achieving a combined audience share of 43.1%. Yle TV2, buoyed by its extensive sports coverage, increased its share to 14.1% from 12.9% in 2023.
According to data from Finnpanel, traditional TV channels were watched for an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes daily. Including streaming services and other screen usage, the daily viewing time increased to 3 hours and 29 minutes.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
