News anchor Piia Pasanen the day has started with a morning ritual that suits someone who works in the news a little too well. “I always watch at least one morning TV news, my own or a competitor’s,” he says.

And that’s not all.

“I also listen to the news on the radio, and read in the newspaper and online.”

It’s as much about adjusting to the working day as it is about a habit formed over the years, Pasanen clarifies. “But it’s also an occupational disease.”

When the days revolve around the world of news and current topics, it’s hard to get away from them, even in your free time. And why should you, when you’re interested in the way the world is going.

“Of course, you don’t have to be on the news all the time, but I do want to be informed at least about the big news.”

However, Pasanen says that he comes across so much that when he goes to sleep, he does not browse the news headlines on his smartphone.

“Years ago I made a decision not to sleep with my phone in the same room. I don’t want any beeps and notifications, I want to calm my night down to sleep.”

Badass says that he was already a curious type who was interested in events in politics, for example. “That interest comes from my childhood home. We followed things – we watched, listened and read the news.”

It was hardly a surprise that he ended up in Tampere to study information studies, even though in the same year the doors also opened for teacher studies.

“I didn’t think for a moment which one I would choose. This field attracted me.”

Pasanen has worked in Yle’s news department since 1999, and of course the general public recognizes him from TV news. However, few people remember that Pasanen started as a summer reporter at Yel In the sports box and as a freelancer On Police TV.

”Police TV was a really good school for me. Raija Pelli gave us a lot of responsibility. That’s where I learned how to make inserts and visuals, got to talk gigs and, of course, host. Got a lot of important experience.”

With many extraordinary news events are intertwined with your own personal history: where were you when the Soviet Union, the twin towers or Finland’s pure skiing reputation collapsed? The words and accents used by the newsreader may sink deep into the memory.

Even Pasanen instantly recalls several news events from his youth that stopped him in his tracks: Charles’s and Diana’s wedding in 1981, Olof Palmen murder in 1986 and Ceaușescu execution on Christmas Day 1989.

“Now, in my work, I myself am part of this same continuum. I am with people experiencing these events.”

Piia Pasanen was photographed at Maunula’s outdoor recreation center in Keskuspuisto. “This is along my jogging route – and the cafe here has insanely good buns and doughnuts.” Picture: Juhani Niiranen / HS

In recent years, there have certainly been enough exciting events. There have been topics that arouse strong emotions, such as the corona pandemic and war. With the war in Ukraine, Ylenki’s news introduced a way of warning the viewer about the illustration of a news story that might shock.

Does the news ever get under the news anchor’s skin? Of course, says Pasanen.

“And of course I want to live that news with the viewer. For example, during the war in Ukraine, I have clearly seen a certain seriousness in my colleagues, and I recognize it in myself as well. However, when it comes to distressing news, there is a certain protection of the professional role: you have to be able to keep your face, and you can’t collapse, no matter how bad you feel.”

The news anchor also remembers bad news more easily, Pasanen admits. They seem to be on the news more often than funny stories.

“It’s true that bad news ignites the news machine better than happy news. But it’s wonderful when the broadcast has for example the World Cup gold celebration and Lord’s Eurovision win. Then I can be part of that joy.”

The news world syke still fascinates the fiftysomething news anchor. Actually, only the relationship with live broadcasts has changed over the years, says Pasanen. In other words, there’s not much excitement these days.

“When I was younger, the first broadcasts were in a fog. There’s not so much excitement anymore, but a feeling of being charged. You have to be tuned in, because anything can happen in a live broadcast.”

“I’m at my best when I have to deviate from the formula.”

• Born in Kuopio in 1973.

• Master of Social Sciences, University of Tampere 1999.

• In Yle’s news department since 1999 as a news anchor and reporter. Worked in the 90s as well In the sports box and Police TV:in. Has also hosted Aamu-tv, Linna’s celebrations and Yle’s election broadcasts and Tango market.

• Engages in a variety of sports, open swimming and everything related to food. Passionate Italy fan.

• Married to Tomi Einonen, the editor-in-chief of MTV Uutisten. The family also includes two children.

• Lives in Helsinki.

• Turns 50 on Monday April 17th.

Correction 16.4. 19:42: Pasanen has a master’s degree in social sciences, not political sciences.