News anchor Ripsa Koskinen-Papunen has achieved the status of a trusted person of the people.
Ripsa Koskinen-Papunen has had a long career in the news world and has probably been present in almost every living room in Finland. The popular news anchor has become a trusted person for many.
– I was lucky in that I was chosen as a news anchor at the age of 24, as a newly graduated Master of Political Science.
Koskinen-Papunen became a news anchor through a recommendation. The manager at the time was the editor-in-chief of Radio-City and the then CEO of the production company Broadcasters Juha Tynkkynen hinted MTV Uutisten vt. to editor-in-chief Tauno Äijälä that it would be good to invite a young woman to audition.
– I understood that Seven’s news was looking for a female anchor in her thirties, so I didn’t think I would be chosen.
Koskinen-Papunen has enjoyed working for the same employer since 1991. During his more than 30-year career, a lot has happened in the world.
– Although I have worked as a news anchor all my time at Maikkar, I have also been able to and wanted to do many other programs. I have made current affairs programs and hosted galas, Linna’s celebrations and other special programs, Koskinen-Papunen summa.
There have also been challenging times in my career. It has not always been easy financially for a commercial television channel.
Personally, the most difficult moment was ten years ago, when the popular and award-winning current affairs program 45 Minutes was also stopped in connection with the change negotiations. Koskinen-Papunen had been the host and editor of the program for nine years.
– I was so disappointed and frustrated then that I decided to study for myself a second profession.
In addition to her work, Koskinen-Papunen trained as a personal trainer and wellness coach.
– That’s when I got the feeling that I wanted to expand my own skills.
– Many people do the same or similar work for a long time, and they may no longer notice learning. It’s rewarding when you see yourself learning. However, I like the work of a journalist so much that I have not wanted to give it up.
The journalist, who has been in the news world for a long time, says that he enjoys situations to which he has to react quickly. Mikko Huisko
“I am treated like a family member”
Expressed in political terms, Koskinen-Papunen enjoys the trust of Finns. He says that telling about the events has not always been easy.
However, the work community has given strength in difficult situations, and support has been received from nearby when necessary.
– I have known some of my colleagues for half my life, and we have grown a lot together. New employees are also well taken on board. We have a strong culture of helping others.
However, viewers’ trust has not come easily. One reason for the emergence of trust is a long career.
– After doing this job for a long time, even the viewers treat me like an old friend or a family member. With the accumulation of years and experience, reliability and authority have also grown.
The journalist, who approaches his work with piety, doesn’t remember making a mistake during his career. From the early days of his career, he remembers a situation where he told the wrong number on a live broadcast. However, Kaj Lindén, who was working as an anchor in the studio at the time, corrected the situation quickly and professionally.
– Yes, it was embarrassing when I was young, but it’s human that mistakes sometimes happen and you try to correct them.
The news anchor cannot name dreams or unattainable goals.
– In my working life, I am living such a phase that now I can reap the harvest. Many things are easy in the sense that you know a lot and can use what you learn.
– I am so addicted to the feeling of well-being provided by exercise and cold water that I want them every day, Koskinen-Papunen says. Mikko Huisko
Two different career options
During high school, Koskinen-Papunen considered a career as a journalist and physical education teacher. In the end, he applied to study communication at university.
Exercise and well-being have remained close to the heart. The studies of personal trainer and wellness coach have also been useful in my own life, especially in terms of coping.
– I live as I teach. I try to do things that I enjoy and things that are relevant in terms of health, endurance and well-being.
Koskinen-Papunen is a good sleeper and likes to train by himself in the mornings.
– I’m really looking forward to going for a jog or to the gym in the morning. I like to exercise with others, but these morning sports are my own moments, with which I start the day energetically. Mornings are crowned by a dip in the open air.
An active open swimmer gets his daily dose of endorphins from exercise and cold water. The close circle has learned to recognize when a run would be good.
– Children learn at an early age to tell their mother if it’s worth going for a run. They knew that I always came back from there in a good mood.
In severe frosts, Koskinen-Papunen knocks the opening open himself.
– Fortunately, it still works out, he laughs.
In her spare time, Koskinen-Papunen enjoys spending time with friends or family, for example at the theater, watching movies or taking a long sauna.
Throwing has occasionally become a bone of contention with my spouse.
– Although I’m otherwise good at learning, he thinks I can’t throw a sledgehammer. I feel the slurps on my back when he enjoys the softer slurps.
Koskinen-Papunen says that she relies on two key questions in news topics. Mikko Huisko
News relies on trust
The news anchor’s family also includes three adult children, the youngest of whom is studying in France. It’s easy to change memberships via video call. He tries to see his two children who live in Helsinki as often as possible.
The development of technology and artificial intelligence has also brought changes to the news world. The amount and spread of fake news and dis and misinformation has increased significantly.
The journalist says that he relies on two key questions himself: Is it true and why should it be reported?
– These two are already big news criteria. In addition, it is important to tell viewers relevant and interesting information.
Writing television news is different from articles. When told aloud, the news should be clear, concise and understandable at first glance.
According to Koskinen-Papusen, it’s interesting how the rhythm and way of working in newsrooms change when a situation comes up that needs to be reacted to quickly.
– Situations where you have to react exceptionally quickly cause the whole rhythm of news delivery to change. They emphasize that we only focus on what is essential.
Quickly developing situations often center around negative things. The reporter says that even in difficult situations, one should focus on the main task, i.e. communicating what has happened and what it means.
Koskinen-Papunen hosts the After Five program, which is a “multifaceted homecoming program”. Mikko Huisko
There are no more taboos in the news world
Koskinen-Papunen says that the news world has changed. There are no longer any topics that are taboo. As far as television news is concerned, the range of issues covered has also expanded.
– On the news front, in general, I don’t like sensational journalism, where the focus is on updating small things.
In Koskinen-Papusen’s opinion, one positive trend is the increase in people’s “everyday” news. He’s running After five – current affairs program, which deals not only with news topics, but also with topics that are close to people. He says that the program’s viewers have given a lot of positive feedback about the benefit and tip journalism, which is easy for the viewers to digest.
– The program intentionally brings up topics that are otherwise not covered on television. In addition to well-known people, it also interviews people previously unknown to the general public who have interesting stories to tell.
– After five, there is a versatile “coming home program” and it is very motivating to do it.
Makeup and hair: Maria Kiviaho/ Office Makeup
Style: Henna Koste
Clothing details: Green sweater Opus/ Stockmann. Blue dress Ralph Lauren/Stockmann. Earrings Glitter.