TV ADVERTISING FINLAND
ADVERTISE ON TV IN FINLAND
Finland’s most-watched broadcaster, public service Yle, carries no advertising at all, financed instead by the mandatory Yle tax, so commercial airtime is concentrated among a handful of operators. The market is led by MTV3 (whose owner MTV Oy passed to Schibsted via the 2025 TV4 Media deal) and Sanoma’s Nelonen, alongside Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV5, Kutonen and Frii. Advertisers therefore buy national reach through these commercial families and their Ruutu and MTV Katsomo streaming inventory rather than through Yle. The stations listed below represent a balanced cross-section of the most successful stations, targeting a range of audiences.
With sound industry knowledge we are well placed to help you create a successful TV ad campaign.
CHANNELS
Channel 4 broadcasts the top Finnish entertainment programmes, targeted at adults aged 25 – 44.
On the channel, you can follow unprecedented and high-quality programs on topical events and interesting topics around the world – every day of the week.
Offering light entertainmen to a majority female audience aged 25 – 44.
Hero offers an all movie channel and international and national tv series.
Jim is the home of entertainment and reality TV.
Focuses on quality documentaries, entertainment, adventure programs, science, history, and movies. In addition, the channel offers domestic reality series of interest to spectators and novelties from abroad as well as premieres.
It is a balanced mix of Finnish reality entertainment shows, engrossing international series and films.
TV5’s software, focuses on domestic entertainment programs and a wide range of films with a strong focus on premiere films.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect TV advertising costs in Finland?
Pricing reflects the channel, audience ratings, daypart, spot length, season and whether you buy nationally or regionally. Prime-time and high-demand periods cost more, and production adds to the total. Public broadcaster Yle carries no advertising. Empire does not publish fixed rates; we prepare a tailored quote matched to your audience targets and budget.
Which Finnish TV channels reach which audiences?
MTV3, Finland’s main commercial channel, delivers broad mainstream national reach. Nelonen, part of Sanoma’s Nelonen Media, is the other major ad-funded generalist channel with a strong commercial audience. Yle’s channels are publicly funded and ad-free, so commercial TV plans concentrate on MTV3, Nelonen and their sister channels.
What are the content and approval rules for Finnish TV ads?
Ads must comply with the Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Ombudsman guidance: truthful, substantiated, non-misleading and clearly recognisable as advertising. Broadcasters pre-clear commercials before transmission. Empire manages script and claim substantiation, secures broadcaster approvals and ensures your creative meets Finnish marketing standards ahead of the air date.
When is TV advertising most in demand in Finland?
Q4 around Christmas is the peak season, with heavy advertiser competition and premium pricing. Viewing and demand soften during the July summer-holiday period. Back-to-school in August and the new-year window also draw spend. Empire plans your schedule around these cycles to secure the right inventory at sensible cost.