Hockey Yle’s sports chief defends acquisition of NHL rights on Twitter: “Yle doesn’t waste taxpayers’ money, especially recklessly”

YLE announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with NENT Group, which owns NHL rights in Finland, to show NHL hockey games on TV2 and Yle Areena from January.

The news has been somewhat contradictory. Some are very pleased that some games can be watched through Yle in the future, but some wonder why a media company funded by the broadcasting tax will show professional league games.

Yle’s sports manager Joose Palonen responds to criticism on Twitter.

According to Palonen, Yle does not waste taxpayers’ money, but the agreement is responsible and very cost-effective.

“Yle does not waste taxpayers’ money, especially not recklessly,” Palonen writes.

Palonen does not disclose more detailed information on the cost-effectiveness of viewing rights, but states that Yle has previously entered into partnerships with commercial media.

Mightily acquired rights cover 25 matches as well as the Stanley Cup finals this and the following season. NENT Group shows games on Viaplays and V Sport.

According to Palonen, the agreement benefits both the public service media and commercial parties. The agreement will allow more and more viewers to follow the excerpts of domestic hockey players, especially when domestic rights are held by anyone other than Yle.

“The NHL is currently exceptionally interesting and relevant to a wide range of Finns, regardless of wallet size,” Palonen writes.