nuSep 7, 2026, 08:38

NPO requests minister to revoke Ongehoord Nederland license after all

The Dutch public broadcaster NPO has requested the revocation of Ongehoord Nederland's license due to repeated violations of journalistic codes and poor cooperation. This move follows public controversy over a broadcast featuring positive remarks about Adolf Hitler, with a government decision on the matter expected shortly.

The Dutch public broadcaster NPO has officially requested that Minister Letschert revoke the broadcasting license of Ongehoord Nederland (ON!). This decision follows widespread backlash regarding an online broadcast where a former editor-in-chief suggested that Adolf Hitler had certain positive insights, leading to the removal of the content. While the NPO states it does not judge program content, it cited a structural failure to uphold journalistic standards and a persistent lack of cooperation with other broadcasters as the primary reasons for their request.

ON! director Peter Vlemmix expressed significant surprise at the move, calling the NPO's sudden change of stance remarkable given that they previously saw no grounds for such drastic action. Minister Letschert is expected to make a final decision on the future of the broadcaster on Tuesday following a meeting with Vlemmix. The NPO maintains that the revocation is essential for the effective functioning and cooperation within the national public broadcasting system.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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

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