Media supervision and the rights of the individual

The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority monitors radio and television and administers the TV licence fee. It monitors broadcasts to ensure that the regulations laid down for programmes and advertising are complied with. Broadcasting on radio or television requires a permit from the Government. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority grants short-term licences for television and radio. Consumers can make a complaint to the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority if they notice that a television or radio broadcast breaks the law.

According to the Council for Mass Media, the protection of private life applies to everyone whether they are public figures or not. In practice, the limits of this protection vary from case to case. They are less strict if the individual has a lot of influence and high status in society. The Council of Ethics in Advertising concentrates on consumers' requests of general significance regarding the ethical nature of advertising.