Born in 1960, Joensuu. Studied political sciences at the University of Helsinki. CNN International Professional Programme, Atlanta 1989. Journalist at the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE 1986-2010. He held various positions such as Executive Duty Editor 1997-2009, Chief of the YLE Washington Bureau 2002-2006, Foreign News Editor 1997-2002, Morning Show Anchor 1999-2000, A-Studio Duty Editor 1997, Foreign News Reporter 1990-1996. MEP since 2012.