Pasi Toivonen Appointed Professor of Practice in Journalism at Tampere University
“This year, we received a record number of applications for the position, so we had the opportunity to choose the new professor of practice from an exceptionally large group of accomplished journalism professionals,” says Marko Ala-Fossi, Head of the Communication Sciences Unit.
Pasi Toivonen is widely known for his work as a reporter, host, and producer for the current affairs program Ajankohtainen kakkonen, as well as for producing Yle Perjantai and the Perjantai documentaries. Between 2022 and 2024, he served as Yle’s Africa correspondent. Currently, Toivonen works as a journalist in Yle News' in-depth reporting unit.
The overarching theme of Toivonen’s professorship year is the human encounter in journalism.
“Human-centered journalism, documentaries, and mobile journalism,” Toivonen summarizes his plans for the year ahead.
“In these turbulent times, the most important skill for a journalist is the ability to truly connect with people, build trust with interviewees, and create journalism that transcends ideological and cultural boundaries. We must do the kind of work that artificial intelligence cannot replicate.”
During the autumn semester, students will have the opportunity to create documentary-style journalism. In spring 2026, a mobile journalism workshop will begin, focusing on using lightweight technology in journalistic work.
“As a foreign correspondent, I wrote, filmed, and edited everything myself. I produced content for online, radio, and television platforms. Nowadays, such multi-skilled work is the norm, and we will focus on that in our teaching as well,” Toivonen explains.
The development and affordability of technical production tools make a new kind of journalism possible, he adds.
“I often talk about ‘taking the camera for a walk.’ It's not just about technology – it's about how we interact with people through the lens,” Toivonen describes.
Photo: Antti YrjönenJyrki Vuorinen, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, sees the annually rotating Professor of Practice in Journalism position as an excellent way to bring the latest industry knowledge and solid practical experience into university teaching.
“Pasi Toivonen has had an extensive career and a wealth of experience to share. His concrete plans for teaching audiovisual journalism were particularly influential in the selection process,” Vuorinen states.
The visiting professorship in journalism—now known as the Professor of Practice—has been part of Tampere University since 2007. Its goal is to bring up-to-date industry knowledge into education and to deepen students' understanding of journalistic practices and challenges. During the 2024–2025 academic year, the role is held by Laura Saarikoski.
Pasi Toivonen himself is a Tampere University alumnus and is eagerly looking forward to the coming year.
“I take on this role with joy and humility. I hope I can be of help to the students and offer them a bright and positive outlook on the future of journalism. There will continue to be a demand for responsible journalism. This is a wonderful profession. It’s a privilege to meet people and tell their stories – and to try to understand what this world of ours is all about.”
