Finland to broadcast major men's and women's sports equally
A government decree declares the main women's football, hockey, athletics and ski competitions of primary importance for society and establishes the obligation to televise them under the same conditions as men's.
Finland takes another step towards equality between men and women.
The Government has issued a decree amending the Decree on Audiovisual Services. The list of events of major importance for society that have to be broadcast on television will be updated to include those women's sports events that are equivalent to the men's events already on the list.
The Government issued the decree on 11 February 2021 and it will enter into force on 1 March 2021.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the list comprises sports events that must be broadcast on TV in the area of Finland so that a substantial proportion of public can follow the coverage of the events free of charge via live coverage or deferred coverage.
The events of major importance for society are the following:
- Summer and winter Olympic Games organised by the International Olympic Committee.
- Opening matches, quarter and semi-finals and finals of men's and women's FIFA World Cup and the matches played in the cup by Finland's national team.
- Opening matches, quarter and semi-finals and finals of men's and women's UEFA European Football Championships and the matches played in the cup by Finland's national team.
- Men's and women's Ice Hockey World Championships organised by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
- Nordic World Ski Championships in Nordic skiing organised by the International Ski Federation.
- World Championships in Athletics organised by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
- European Championships in Athletics organised by the European Athletics Association.
Live broadcast
The opening matches, semi-finals and finals of men's and women's Football World and European Championship finals and the semi-finals and finals of men's and women's Ice Hockey World Championships, as referred to in the list above, must be broadcast wholly live.
The matches of the Finnish national team in both Championships must also be broadcast live.
At the same time, amendments required under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive will also be made to the Decree.