On the fourth anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö appeared on Yle's A-studio to discuss the current European security situation. The interview became a topic of discussion among viewers, particularly due to the informal manner of addressing Niinistö, which the host, Rosa Kettumäki, acknowledged was predetermined. She clarified that it is customary in A-studio for guests to be addressed informally, but she made sure to confirm Niinistö's comfort with this approach prior to the broadcast.

As Kettumäki explained, when she met Niinistö in the green room before the segment, she asked if he was okay with being addressed by the informal 'sinä' rather than the formal 'te'. This reflects a growing trend in Finnish media where addressing prominent figures in an informal manner is becoming more accepted, especially among leaders and public figures, demonstrating a less rigid and more relatable form of interaction. While some viewers appreciated the approach as being friendly, others found it unusual given Niinistö's former position as president.

The exchange serves not only to shed light on evolving communication styles in Finnish media but also highlights the delicate balance between respect and familiarity when engaging with political figures. As Finnish society continues to grapple with significant issues such as the security implications stemming from the war in Ukraine, how media personalities interact with leaders can influence public perceptions and expectations regarding authority and informality in political discourse.