De-monopolizing Finland: the changing contents of Finnish commercial and public radio stations, 19802005

Abstract

This article examines the transition from a public service radio monopoly to a more liberal and diverse radio culture in Finland. In addition, the Zeitgeist of local radio culture and a theoretical framework for three separate stages of Finnish radio between 1980 and 2005 is presented. We argue that considerable changes can be discerned in the radio content, which had a distinct impact on the use of music and the way of speaking on radio programmes. The changes are studied mainly from the perspective of broadcasting rock music, its reception among young audiences and the ensuing public discussion. Two key commercial radio stations are discussed, likewise the change in their content towards a streamlined, American-style format radio. The current radioscape is assessed from the perspectives of commercial and public service radio.