NTRNZ is proud to announce a new audio show commissioned by Yle – hosted and co-written by journalist and media personality Ina Mikkola.

 

Known for her award-winning journalism, acclaimed documentaries and fearless approach to difficult societal issues, Mikkola has become one of Finland’s most recognizable and respected journalistic voices.

 

Throughout her career, Mikkola has examined some of society’s most charged topics, from money and sexuality to power and influence.

 

Now she turns her attention to the gatekeepers of Finnish cultural life.

 

Who gets opportunities? Who gets ignored? Who decides what gets funded, published, reviewed, promoted or celebrated? Whose voice matters – and in the end, who makes the decisions?

 

Mikkola sits down with the people holding the power and asks the questions many have wondered about but few have had the guts to ask. How are opportunities really created? Who gets through the door, and who gets left outside?

 

Listeners will hear candid stories from some of Finland’s most beloved artists, musicians, creators and media personalities. Their experiences reveal what it takes to build a career in culture – with or without the approval of traditional gatekeepers.

 

The listeners can expect uncomfortable questions, surprising answers, and stories that reveal how our culture is really shaped behind the closed doors.

“When this project took shape, we knew there was only one person we wanted to host and co-write it. Ina’s ability to examine power structures with intelligence, courage, humour, and nuance is exceptional. We are proud to have her on board,”

Jutta Irene Ruonansuu, NTRNZ’s Creative Director

For Mikkola, the series is ultimately about making invisible power visible – and understanding how cultural decisions are made, often behind the scenes.

 

“We tend to think that power belongs only to politicians – that they alone make the decisions that shape our lives. But power is exercised throughout society. Many of those who hold it remain largely unseen, even though their decisions profoundly influence us and in this case, the kind of culture we have. I wanted to ask these people how they exercise their power, and what values and principles guide their decisions,” says Mikkola.

 

The show premieres on Yle on August 13.