nuSep 11, 2026, 15:00

Cabinet makes decision: four broadcasting houses to remain, NOS and NTR to merge

The Dutch government plans to reform the public broadcasting system by merging eleven organizations into four broadcasting houses and combining the NOS and NTR. Additionally, the government is seeking to revoke the license of Ongehoord Nederland and abolish the existing membership-based system for broadcasters.

The Dutch government has introduced a legislative proposal to reform the public broadcasting system, reducing the number of broadcasting organizations into four distinct houses. As part of this transition, the NTR and NOS will merge into a single entity. The remaining eleven broadcasting associations are tasked with forming groups, with several partnerships already confirmed. The transition process is expected to be completed by 2029, following the planned implementation of the new law in 2028. Beyond structural changes, the government intends to abolish the current membership system and implement term limits for board members and supervisory board members.

Simultaneously, the government has moved to revoke the license of the broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON!) due to repeated misconduct and controversy, including the airing of a segment involving Adolf Hitler. While ON! remains on the air during the legal appeal process, the minister aims to remove them from the public broadcasting landscape entirely. This sweeping reform, which seeks to modernize the sector, will soon be open for public consultation before undergoing parliamentary review.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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

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