Finland Times

 

Matti Posio, the Editor-in-Chief of the Lännen Media, Lapin Kansa Editor-in-Chief Antti Kokkonen, Professor Riitta Brusila, of the University of Lapland, Director of Finnish Red Cross Society Outi Pärnänen, Markku Heikkilä, Director of Arctic center Elina Katajamäki of the Lapland Police department took part at the discussion. FTimes Photo by Iqbal Hossain.

Speakers in a discussion on Thursday emphasised the importance of quality and responsible journalism for integrating asylum seekers into the mainstream society.

 

They also urged the news media to point out the pros and cons related to refugees and create a positive image of them.

 

The discussion on “The role of news media in integration of refugees” was organised by the online English daily Finland Times at Ravintola Metsäkartano in Rovaniemi marking the newspaper’s third founding anniversary.

 

“Any media is a power tool and can play a significant role in the society,” observed Lännen Media Editor-in-Chief Matti Posio in his keynote speech. 

 

Professor Riitta Brusila of the University of Lapland, Finnish Red Cross Society Director Outi Pärnänen, Arctic Centre Director Markku Heikkilä, and Elina Katajamäki of the

Lapland Police Department were the panellists in the discussion moderated by Lapin Kansa Editor-in-Chief Antti Kokkonen.

 

The Rovaniemi city mayor, Esko Lotvonen along with other participants at the Finland Times anniversary programme. FTimes Photo.

The keynote speaker outlined the common misconceptions and prejudices surrounding the immigrants and presented some future views on immigration and employment of immigrants in Finland. He also underscored the influence of media in relation to legislation and the society. 

 

Earlier, in his address of welcome, Finland Times Chief Editor Ofiul Hasnat narrated how the initiative bring out the country’s first-ever English online news daily came by and the sweet and sour experiences of the last three years.

 

“Every venture has a mission. We, at Finland Times, are trying to present absolutely unbiased news and information and, in the process, build up trust among our readers at home and abroad,” he said. 

 

With the slogan “where accuracy is dealt with acumen,” the online newspaper has always strived to practise objective journalism beyond any political agenda or gossip, trying only to disseminate undistorted, un-tampered facts, said the editor of Finland Times.

 

The Chief Editor of Finland Times, Ofiul Hasnat and Publisher Markku Broas started the celebration party at the end of discussion. FTimes Photo.

He however said, “Although we are neutral, on some issues like environment, globalisation, fundamental rights, humanity, education, and health the newspaper has its own policy to always play a pro-people role. This paper will continue its strong activities against fundamentalism, religious superstition, racism and injustice with the view to establish a world of prosperity and happiness.”

 

Rovaniemi City Mayor Esko Lotvonen, and Finland Times Publisher Markku Broas and Executive Editor Jarno Valtonen, among others, also addressed the gathering.

 

Mayor Lotvonen congratulated the daily and appreciated the role it plays in relation to Rovaniemi. He said Rovaniemi is an international and multicultural city, and Finland

Times plays a significant role in updating the international community on what is happening here and in this country.