tiedotussivustoja

Tiedotussivustoja, literally “information websites,” are online platforms primarily dedicated to disseminating factual content to the public. They differ from commercial or entertainment sites in that their main goal is to provide accurate, up‑to‑date information on a wide range of topics such as science, health, policy, and current events. The term is common in Finnish media studies and refers to both national-level portals and specialised niche sites.

Originally, public information dissemination was handled through printed brochures, radio broadcasts, and government printed reports. The rise of the internet in the late 1990s prompted many government agencies, educational institutions, and non‑profit organisations to launch dedicated websites to replace or supplement traditional means. Early examples include the Finland’s Kansallinen tietosanakirja (National Encyclopedia) and the European Union’s e‑culture portals. Over time, these sites adopted standardized metadata schemas, open‑access licensing, and user‑generated content frameworks.

Tiedotussivustoja serve several functions. They act as knowledge bases, provide data for research and decision‑making, support transparency, and offer educational resources. Their design principles emphasize clarity, neutrality, and ease of navigation, often with multilingual support to cater to diverse audiences. In many countries, regulation ensures that public information portals meet certain accessibility and verifiability criteria. Consequently, tiedotussivustoja have become integral to democratic participation, allowing citizens to access reliable information and engage with public policy discussions.