päätoimittajan

Päätoimittaja is the title used in Finnish media for the editor-in-chief, the person with the overarching responsibility for the editorial content and direction of a publication. The role encompasses the leadership of the newsroom, the setting of editorial policy, and the safeguarding of editorial integrity and credibility.

The main duties of a päätoimittaja include defining the publication’s editorial line, approving major stories and features, and ensuring accuracy, fairness, and compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards. The editor-in-chief typically supervises editors and journalists, coordinates content across departments, and represents the editorial side in relations with owners, managers, and external stakeholders. In many organizations, the role also involves strategic planning, budgeting for the editorial operation, and decisions about staffing and resource allocation.

The päätoimittaja is usually appointed by the publisher or governing board and may serve a fixed term or an ongoing mandate, depending on the organizational structure. In larger media outlets, the role is distinct from the business leadership, such as the publisher or CEO, though close collaboration is essential. In smaller outlets, the editor-in-chief may handle a broader range of tasks, including reporting and editing, alongside leadership responsibilities.

Legal and ethical considerations are central to the position. In many jurisdictions, the editor-in-chief holds ultimate accountability for published content and may bear legal responsibility for what the publication prints or broadcasts. The role thus combines editorial vision with operational oversight, aiming to maintain public trust and journalistic quality.