nuSep 1, 2026, 07:50

Editor-in-chief Joost Niemöller leaves ON! due to 'difference of opinion'

Joost Niemöller has resigned as editor-in-chief of the broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland following a controversial segment in which he praised aspects of Adolf Hitler. The broadcaster removed the footage and stated that the content did not reflect their values, ending Niemöller's short tenure that began in February 2025.

Joost Niemöller has stepped down as editor-in-chief of the Dutch broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON!) following a controversial online segment. During the broadcast, Niemöller and commentator Raisa Blommestijn expressed agreement with a statement asserting that the cosmopolitan elite are inherently hostile toward the common people. Furthermore, Niemöller drew backlash for suggesting that Adolf Hitler had identified certain things very well, a remark that sparked significant outrage among members of parliament.

In response to the public outcry, the broadcaster removed the segment from its online platforms, stating that the quality did not meet expected standards and did not represent the values of the network. Niemöller had only been appointed to the leadership role in February 2025, succeeding Arnold Karskens. As a former contributor to several prominent publications such as De Volkskrant and HP/De Tijd, his brief tenure as editor-in-chief marks a tumultuous period for the broadcaster, which has faced ongoing internal scrutiny regarding its editorial direction and personnel management.

Politics Culture Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Amsterdam invests 2.5 million euros in five community centers, H-buurt to get large meeting place with music studio

Amsterdam is investing 2.5 million euros to open and renovate five community centers to combat social isolation and improve neighborhood stability. The initiative includes a major new facility in the H-buurt and upgrades to existing spaces across various city districts to support residents facing poverty and other challenges.

No new snack bars near schools? Amsterdam looks for legal ways to limit unhealthy food options

Amsterdam is attempting to legally restrict new unhealthy food outlets, especially near schools, by testing the boundaries of current environmental laws in court. The city hopes this pilot case will either empower local authorities to act now or provide the necessary evidence to pressure the national government into finalizing a new Food Act.

Municipality to open its own healthy restaurant to combat excess of fast food outlets

The Amsterdam municipal government plans to open and then deny a permit for its own unhealthy restaurant to test legal limits regarding health-based zoning. By taking the matter to court, officials aim to establish a precedent that would allow the city to restrict new fast-food establishments in the future.

NPO receives urgent letter from employees: 'Eurovision participation unacceptable'

NPO employees have sent a letter of protest against the broadcaster's decision to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, citing moral concerns. Several broadcasting unions are also demanding clarity on the funding and organizational processes behind the country's return to the competition.

Domestic violence hotline seeks 70 million euros in extra annual funding to tackle waiting lists and staff shortages

Veilig Thuis, an organization for domestic violence reporting, is calling for an extra 70 million euros annually to manage severe staffing shortages and mounting waiting lists. The additional funding is intended to help the organization stabilize current services while preparing for a long-term national restructuring of child and family protection services.