The legal dispute concerning the recent dismissals at Kokkola's media group Hilla Group is now unfolding in the District Court. The company terminated two journalistic leaders, Suvi Tanner and Jonna Nikumaa, along with its CEO just days later, in May. The dismissed directors argue that their terminations were unlawful and stemmed from their public criticism of the management style and behavior of Mikko Luoma, the company’s CEO.

Jonna Nikumaa, who served as the head of local newspapers, has formally challenged the media company in court. She asserts that the reasons for her firing were not only unjustified but were also executed in a manner that she describes as particularly egregious. Nikumaa is demanding compensation equivalent to 18 months of her salary, amounting to 126,000 euros, claiming that her dismissal was illegal and a form of retaliation.

The case is currently being handled as a mediation process in the District Court of Ostrobothnia, with a decision on whether the mediation will continue expected next week. This situation highlights tensions within the media sector regarding corporate governance and the protection of journalistic independence, underscoring the challenges faced by media professionals in standing up against managerial practices they deem problematic.