The Great Journalist Award, Finland's most significant annual recognition for journalism, will announce its winners at a gala held at Oulu's Tullisali on Thursday, beginning at 18:30. This award aims to support and promote good journalism while reinforcing the position of responsible Finnish media in society. Various awards will be presented across four categories, among which is the prestigious 'Article of the Year' where Ilta-Sanomat's reporter Meri Suominen's article 'In a Dark Place' is nominated.

The event this year is managed by Kaleva Media, underscoring the collaboration within Finnish media to uplift journalistic standards. Notable host figures include actor and presenter Ernest Lawson alongside Sini Salmirinne, editor-in-chief of Radio Kaleva. The musical aspect of the evening will feature performances by Tapio Maunuvaara and his orchestra, adding cultural richness to the awards ceremony, which has been held annually since 2001.

The recognition given by the Great Journalist Award not only honors individual journalists but also serves as a reminder of the vital role journalism plays in a democracy and society at large. Through this recognition, the award seeks to highlight important journalistic achievements and encourage ongoing efforts towards responsible reporting within the local and national contexts of Finland.