Taneli Arponen

Hi! I am Taneli. 👋

An award-winning data journalist, a developer, and a role playing game enthusiast. Working as a producer in Ilta-Sanomat for Sanoma Media Finland.

I excel in gamification, user interactivity, data analysis, software development, and AI, with a passion for storytelling through innovative technologies.

Github:
taneli.arponen

Discord:
twimirv

Skills

Journalism

Extensive background in journalism, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture.
Passionate about learning and experimenting with new technologies to tell stories in exciting and innovative ways.

Synthetic Media

In-depth knowledge of synthetic media technologies and practical applications in journalism and information warfare.

Other

Profound knowledge in developing game content within a news service context, coupled with keen understanding of player needs and preferences
Experience in organizing impactful internal events, like hackathons
Experience in steering complex technical initiatives from conception through to completion, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and user needs

Technical Skills

Programming Languages: Javascript/TypeScript, Nodejs, React, D3, HTML/CSS, Python, C#, PHP
Services and Software: AWS, GitHub, QGIS, Google Colab, Adobe CC, Figma, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine, Stable Diffusion

Career

Producer

Ilta-Sanomat (2025-)

Developing journalistic processes involving artificial intelligence and helping newsrooms adopt and use them effectively.

Product Owner

Yle (2024-2025)

Leading the team responsible for developing interactive engagement tools aimed at enhancing user conversations and participation across Yle's digital platforms.

Project Producer

Yle (2023-2024)

Focused on advancing user interaction and gamification tools for Yle.fi and Yle Application, bridging developers and journalists.

Awards

Award for Excellence in Investigative Journalism for Katkennut yhteys (Lost Connection) and Venäjä on aktivoitunut Suursaaressa (Russia Increasingly Active in Suursaari Island)
Kaute’s Economic Journalism Award and Society of News Design Award of Excellence for Leikkauspeli (The Budget Cut Game)
Koura Innovation Award and Society of News Design Award of Excellence for Väärennetty ääni (The Forged Voice)
SNDS Digital Award for Syvä huijaus (Deep Fake)
SNDS Digital Award for Elämäsi uutiset (The News of Your Life)

Hobbies

I’m an avid tabletop RPG player currently running two different Pathfinder campaigns as the game master. I’m also a boardgame enthusiast.

I watch a lot of campy horror movies and I love sci-fi and fantasy genres in general, whether it’s books, movies or tv shows.

I used to do freelance photography and videography.

Contact

I’m happy to talk about my work, games, data journalism, synthetic media, web development, role-playing, or anything else you can think of. I’m also available as a speaker. Hit me up on socials or send me an email.