Suvi Lindén (cons), the Finnish communications minister, was quoted as saying by regional daily Kaleva on Tuesday that the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) fee, a lump-sum tax that will replace the licence fee, should be set at between 190 and 195 euros a household a year.

"This is a reasonable level and will safeguard the Broadcasting Company's current operations," Ms Lindén was quoted as saying.

The YLE fee is to enter into force in 2012 and is to be paid by all households and businesses regardless of television or radio ownership.

A social affairs and health ministry working group is currently mulling reduced rates for low earners. According to Kaleva the working group is set to hand its proposal in a fortnight's time.

Ms Lindén repeated that YLE's management and the public broadcaster's oversight must be separated.

STT