Microsoft's local Director Responsible for Information Society Relations, Mikael Jungner, has been appointed director general of YLE, Finland's national public services broadcasting company. According to The Register's local informants, Jungner appeared as a surprise winner after months of consideration of candidates with more obvious qualifications in the broadcast industry.

The chair of YLE's administrative board commented that although Jungner has no prior experience of journalism, "We chose a top-grade professional and if the man is well versed in politics, then that is not a liability." The man is indeed well-versed in politics. He has previously served as special political assistant to the Finnish Prime Minister and special assistant to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Administration.

We do not know the Finnish for wonk.

Quoting local press reports, our informants say Jungner has offered assurances that he will be able to cut his ties with his former employer. We didn't know Microsoft did ties. T-shirts, sure. ®