SanomaWSOY Group's role as a multimedia player in Finland strengthens. The electronic media division SWelcom was granted two part-national radio licences. Local radio station Radio Helsinki, part of newspaper division Sanoma, continues its operations in Helsinki metropolitan area on the frequency of 88.6 MHz and in Tuusula on frequency of 89.4 MHz. The Finnish Government granted the licenses for commercial radio stations in Finland for the next five years on May 31, 2006.
The beginning of radio operations is part of SWelcom's multimedia strategy, the core of which is in versatile programmes of TV channel Nelonen as well as in Welho's expanding cable-TV and broadband operations.
- SWelcom aims to combine its television, radio, broadband and mobile operations into a package that offers our viewers and listeners entertaining experiences through electronic media. Continuously improving internet and mobile technologies are offering new, interesting possibilities for this, says Tapio Kallioja, President of SWelcom.
According to the licenses, SWelcom's radio channels will start their operations as of January 2007. The radio channels will broadcast entertaining and informative programmes. One is concentrating in male audience and the other is concentrating more in female listeners. The channels will co-operate together and with TV channel Nelonen.
- The now received radio frequency will significantly improve our operations in technical terms, says Paula Salovaara, Editor-in-Chief of Radio Helsinki. Radio Helsinki, established in 2000, has been part of Helsingin Sanomat as of April 2005. - Radio Helsinki is important for Helsingin Sanomat, which aims at strengthening its cross-media operations and local presence, adds Pekka Soini, President of Helsingin Sanomat.
- SanomaWSOY's strategy is to be a multimedia player in Finland. The now received radio channel licenses supplement significantly our service and product portfolio. Internationally we will focus on magazine publishing, educational publishing, and press distribution, says Hannu Syrjänen, President and CEO of the SanomaWSOY Group.
SWelcom is the electronic media division of the SanomaWSOY Group. Helsingin Sanomat Oy and Radio Helsinki belong to Sanoma division of the SanomaWSOY Group.
Additional information:
SWelcom, President Tapio Kallioja, tel. +358 10 707 1111
Radio Helsinki, Editor-in-Chief Paula Salovaara, tel. +358 40 533 5081
Helsingin Sanomat, President Pekka Soini, tel. +358 9 122 3260
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