Who are we?

The National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI)

The National Audiovisual Institute is a central governmental agency under the Ministry of Education and Culture and was formed in January 2014 as a result of a merger between the National Audiovisual Archive (formerly Finnish Film Archive, 1957-2007) and the Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media (formerly Finnish Board of Film Classification, 1946-2011).

Its tasks include the preservation of films and television and radio programmes as well as research related to them, and the promotion of audiovisual culture. KAVI’s Department for Media Education and Audiovisual Media (MEKU) is responsible for the promotion and coordination of media education at a national level, and the supervision of the provision of audiovisual programmes in Finland from the perspective of protection of children.

The National Audiovisual Institute as a regulator

The provision of audiovisual services in Finland (e.g., provision of services and licenses in linear TV and radio, marketing, European quotas, protection of minors) is regulated in specific laws and regulations in accordance with EU legislation, such as the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (2018/1808). The provision of audiovisual media services is supervised primarily by two agencies, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency and the National Audiovisual Institute.

The Media Education and Audiovisual Programmes Department of the Institute monitors compliance with the Act on Audiovisual Programmes (710/2011). Provisions on the activities of the National Audiovisual Institute are laid down in the Act on the National Audiovisual Institute (1434/2007).

A working group led by the Ministry of Culture and Education is currently preparing a government’s proposal to Parliament for a new Act on Audiovisual Programmes.

Our History

On 1 January 2014, the National Audiovisual Archive KAVA (2008–2013, preceded by the Finnish Film Archive 1957–2007) and the Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Programmes MEKU (2012–2013, preceded by the Finnish Board of Film Classification 1946–2011) were merged into the National Audiovisual Institute.

With KAVA (until 2007 the Finnish Film Archive), the institute acquired the national film, television and radio archive as well as its mandate to preserve and promote Finnish audiovisual culture. The Finnish Film Archive was established as a private organization in 1957, and by the following year it had already joined the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF). In 1979, the Finnish Film Archive became a state institution. In 1984, the Film Deposit Act entered into force, and in 2009, comprehensive archiving of radio and television programmes began.

MEKU’s responsibilities entail the promotion of media education and monitoring the provision of audiovisual programmes. As the Media Education and Audiovisual Programmes Unit at KAVI, MEKU serves as an expert in the development of children’s media environment, promotes research related to the field, tracks international developments and provides information on matters related to children and the media.