Obituary | The editor-in-chief defended his staff

Juhani “Jussi” Viljanen, who once threatened to resign rather than allow a conscript journalist to be transferred, died in Helsinki on July 25, 2026. He was 82.

Born in Joensuu on August 10, 1943, Viljanen trained as a physical education teacher but spent virtually his entire career in communications and journalism. His contribution to Finnish defence communications extended across several decades.

He began as a journalist in Yle’s sports department and later handled communications for the Finnish Gymnastics and Sports Association. In the early 1970s, he joined the Defence Forces’ communications office at Defence Command headquarters. As head of press relations, he built effective working relationships with numerous Finnish journalists. Alongside that work, he served as editor-in-chief of the independent defence magazine Suomen Sotilas from 1984 to 1992.

Viljanen is perhaps best remembered for his nine years at the helm of Ruotuväki. He became the publication’s first civilian editor-in-chief in 1994 and continued until retiring in 2003. To conscript reporters, he was a fatherly figure who gave young journalists substantial responsibility and trust. That approach helped strengthen both their skills and confidence. He wanted to know his staff and took a genuine interest in their lives. He remained in contact with many former Ruotuväki reservists after their service, offering feedback and advice as they developed as journalists.

He also transformed Ruotuväki from an information bulletin into a news publication. His bold and unafraid style sometimes created friction inside the Defence Forces, where not every official understood the publication’s journalistic principles. In disputes, Viljanen defended his editorial staff to the end. Ruotuväki remained important to him after retirement, and he continued following the paper and maintaining his professional networks.

Viljanen played a significant role in founding and developing the TK-Tiedotuskilta, an association that brings together hundreds of communications and media professionals trained by the Defence Forces. He worked behind the scenes rather than seeking attention, helping the association grow into an influential organization. He also contributed to histories of the association and the National Defence Training Association. The obituary was written by Ruotuväki editor-in-chief Mikko Ilkko, former Defence Forces commander Gustav Hägglund and former conscript journalist Timo Kämäräinen.