Ilta Sanomat - What is it?

2025-06-26

In Finland’s vibrant media landscape, one name consistently stands out: Ilta-Sanomat. Known for its punchy headlines, real-time updates, and dynamic tabloid format, Ilta-Sanomat has become a staple for millions of Finns looking for fast, accessible news.

Whether you're interested in politics, crime, sports, or celebrity gossip, Ilta-Sanomat delivers news with flair and speed. But what exactly is Ilta-Sanomat, and why does it hold such a powerful place in Finnish media?

This article explores the history, format, digital presence, and continued relevance of Ilta-Sanomat, one of Finland’s most iconic newspapers.

The Origins and Evolution of Ilta-Sanomat

Ilta-Sanomat, which translates to “Evening News” in Finnish, was first established in 1932 as the afternoon edition of another major newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat. By 1949, it became an independent publication under the ownership of the Sanoma Group, Finland’s largest media conglomerate.

Ilta-Sanomat was designed to be fast, informal, and wide-reaching — a contrast to the more in-depth and analytical tone of its sister publication. Over the decades, the paper evolved from print to digital, keeping pace with changing reader habits. It now boasts a powerful online media presence, consistently ranking among the top digital news platforms in Finland.

Key Features of Ilta-Sanomat

Type: Daily Tabloid Newspaper
Owner: Sanoma Media Finland (Sanoma Group)
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Founded: 1932
Language: Finnish
Website: www.is.fi
Editor-in-Chief (2025): Johanna Lahti

With a circulation of approximately 55,000 in print (2024) and a digital reach of over 2.5 million users, Ilta-Sanomat continues to adapt in a competitive media ecosystem.

What Kind of News Does Ilta-Sanomat Cover?

Ilta-Sanomat focuses on fast-paced, easily digestible news, often adopting a style similar to tabloid media like the UK’s The Sun or Germany’s Bild. The coverage typically includes:

National and international breaking news
Politics and government policy
Crime and legal affairs
Celebrities and entertainment
Sports (notably ice hockey, Formula 1, and football)
Lifestyle and human interest stories

This diversity of content allows Ilta-Sanomat to appeal to a wide range of readers, from casual browsers to daily news consumers.

A Digital Powerhouse: Ilta-Sanomat Online

The print format may be losing steam globally, but Ilta-Sanomat's digital platform is booming. As of recent years, it has been named the most visited news site in Finland, rivaling long-form publications with its mobile-friendly interface and live coverage features.

Digital Strengths:

Live blogging and video reports for ongoing news events
Mobile apps with push notifications for breaking news
Social media integration for real-time user engagement
Free and premium content, balancing accessibility with monetization

Ilta-Sanomat was also one of the earliest adopters of video journalism among Finnish outlets, offering short-form news videos for mobile consumption.

Ilta-Sanomat vs. Helsingin Sanomat: A Tale of Two Giants

Feature	Ilta-Sanomat	Helsingin Sanomat
Format	Tabloid	Broadsheet
Style	Sensational, casual	Analytical, formal
Focus	Quick news, trending	In-depth investigations
Audience	Mass market	Educated, general public
Ownership	Sanoma Group	Sanoma Group

While both are owned by the Sanoma Group, their approaches to journalism are vastly different — each catering to its own loyal reader base.

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Editorial Leadership and Legacy

Ilta-Sanomat has seen a succession of respected editors-in-chief. Its most notable recent leader, Tapio Sadeoja, served from 2007 to 2019 before handing over to Johanna Lahti, the current editor-in-chief.

This continuity of leadership has ensured Ilta-Sanomat’s balance of innovation and tradition, helping it maintain relevance through shifting media trends.

Public Perception and Criticism

As with many tabloids, Ilta-Sanomat faces both praise and criticism. Supporters laud its accessibility, responsiveness, and broad reach. Critics argue that the format may prioritize sensation over substance, especially on issues like crime or celebrity culture.

Still, for many Finns, Ilta-Sanomat offers an essential service: making the news easy to access, understand, and share.

FAQ

What is Ilta-Sanomat?

Ilta-Sanomat is a major Finnish daily tabloid newspaper that provides news in a fast, accessible format. Established in 1932, it is now one of the most visited digital media platforms in Finland.

Is Ilta-Sanomat a reliable source?

Yes, while it follows a tabloid style, Ilta-Sanomat is part of the Sanoma Group, a reputable media company. It follows professional journalism standards and is widely trusted in Finland.

Who owns Ilta-Sanomat?

Ilta-Sanomat is owned by Sanoma Media Finland, part of the Sanoma Group, which also owns Helsingin Sanomat and other major Finnish publications.

How is Ilta-Sanomat different from Helsingin Sanomat?

Ilta-Sanomat uses a tabloid format and offers fast-paced news coverage, while Helsingin Sanomat provides more in-depth and formal journalism in a broadsheet format.