Onlinelehdet

Onlinelehdet are digital periodicals distributed primarily through the internet. In Finnish media discourse the term can refer to online editions of traditional newspapers as well as online-only magazines and magazines with digital-first publishing. They cover news, analysis, culture, lifestyle and specialist topics, often updated continuously and organized with searchable archives and multimedia content.

Technically, onlinelehdet are published on websites and mobile apps, and frequently use features such as hyperlinks, embedded video and audio, newsletters, and reader interaction through comments. They may be free to read, rely on advertising, or operate on a paid subscription model, sometimes combining several revenue streams. Many outlets practice digital-first or online-first publishing, prioritizing rapid updates and search engine visibility.

History: Onlinelehdet emerged with the spread of the World Wide Web in the 1990s and 2000s, when traditional newspapers launched online editions and new online-only titles appeared. The format has since expanded to include podcasts, interactive graphics, and social media distribution.

Regulation, ethics, and ownership: Journalistic standards such as accuracy, sourcing and transparency apply online as in print. Copyright, terms of use, data protection and moderation of user comments are common considerations. Economic pressures, including dwindling print advertising and the rise of platform ecosystems, influence editorial strategies.

Examples in Finland include the online editions of Helsingin Sanomat (hs.fi), Ilta-Sanomat (iltasanomat.fi), and Kauppalehti (kauppalehti.fi), as well as niche and regional online magazines.