This year’s media literacy theme week organised by news media and schools carries the slogan “When you scroll, recognise reliable sources”. News Week encourages audiences to identify journalism: trustworthy information from a trustworthy source is an antidote to helplessness, uncertainty and the overwhelming flow of vague information.

A new study commissioned by the News Media Finland association shows that young people primarily follow news on social media, especially on TikTok and Instagram. Following news through social media places new demands on media literacy, and the study finds that young people are generally good at distinguishing news media content from other material on TikTok. Young audiences are most interested in news that relates to their own lives, followed by major news topics both in Finland and globally.

“Supporting media education is part of Sanoma’s sustainability strategy. We produce domestic media content that promotes open democracy and freedom of expression, and ensures access to reliable information. The core idea of News Week – strengthening media literacy – is a vital part of that goal,” says Eveliina Nygren, Sustainability Manager at Sanoma.

During this year’s News Week, Ilta-Sanomat highlights that many good things are happening in the world as well. A number of developments are moving in a positive direction.

“The role of news media is to report on what is happening—whether the news is sombre or uplifting. Moments of joy can easily be overshadowed by major news events, which is why we want to bring them to the forefront during News Week,” says Kaisa Ylhäinen, manager at ISTV.

A large group of Ilta-Sanomat journalists has contributed to the stories produced for News Week, many of whom are young themselves.

“The world is not a black‑and‑white place with a single truth. That’s why it’s important to remember that every day also brings something beautiful and good. We must not turn away from difficult topics—but as long as there are curious people who believe in the future, there is hope,” says journalist Tatu Helle.

Ilta-Sanomat publishes its News Week stories in video format throughout the week. Two videos are released each day, and they can be viewed at is.fi.

The videos will also be published on Ilta-Sanomat’s social media channels and as Ilta-Sanomat “Nopeat”, quick news items.

The topics range widely—from reflections on Finland’s e‑sports success to breakthroughs in medical science. In addition to the videos, Ilta-Sanomat’s digital edition is available free of charge for the entire week.

“Of course, uplifting content doesn’t end with News Week. Our newsroom produces stories that spark joy throughout the year,” Ylhäinen adds.

Alongside Ilta-Sanomat, other Sanoma media participating in News Week include the newspapers Aamulehti, Helsingin Sanomat and Satakunnan Kansa as well as HS Lasten uutiset.

To celebrate News Week, HS Lasten uutiset (a children’s news segment) has published an open recording of Lasten Musta laatikko, a performance staged last week at the Alexander Theatre in Helsinki.

The third edition of the Lasten Musta laatikko performance explores where names and voices come from. It also features some of the world’s most fascinating animals and includes a segment about Donald Trump. For the first time, the audience was also invited to participate, guided by young show dancers.

“For us creators, the best moment is hearing the audience’s reactions. There is a special power in a child’s wonder and laughter—something you feel both on stage and beyond,” says Kukka Andersson, journalist at HS Lasten uutiset.

Satakunnan Kansa’s media quiz for lower secondary school students is being organised for the seventh time this year. Launched in 2019, the competition encourages young people to use reliable news sources to shape their understanding of the world. All teams reaching the final receive monetary prizes to support their class trip fund. The preliminary round takes place on Thursday, and the final on 6 February.

News Week runs from 27–31 January 2025. Schools and media organisations have marked the week together since 1995. More information and links to the content can be found on Sanoma’s News Week page.