YLE is Finland's national public service broadcasting company. YLE operates four national television channels and six radio channels and services complemented by 25 regional radio programmes.

In 2008 YLE TV1 was the most popular television channel in Finland. YLE's share of daily television viewing was 44.5%. YLE Radio Suomi also kept its position as dominant market leader and YLE's radio listening share stood at 52%. YLE accounted for 49 per cent of all viewing and listening time.

The public considers YLE to be a reliable source of news and current affairs. The company plays a major role in producing and presenting programmes dealing with national arts, educational programmes and children's programmes. YLE's services to the public also cover special and minority groups.

IYLE's operations are financed mainly by television fee (EUR 224.30 per year), and programming carries no advertising. The company is 99.9% state-owned and supervised by an Administrative Council appointed by Parliament, and operates under the Act on Yleisradio Oy (pdf).