paroolOct 25, 2026, 21:31

Sven Kockelmann wins Sonja Barend Award for interview with outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof

Journalist Sven Kockelmann has won the Sonja Barend Award for his interview with outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof. The prize, awarded by a jury of industry professionals, was presented during a television broadcast for the eighteenth time, notably without its namesake, Sonja Barend, who died earlier this year.

Journalist Sven Kockelmann has been honored with the prestigious Sonja Barend Award for his interview with outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof. A jury consisting of over fifty industry peers selected Kockelmann from a shortlist of nine candidates, highlighting his empathetic approach to questioning the political leader. This marks the first time the 56-year-old presenter has received the award. Coen Verbraak secured second place for his interview regarding dementia, while Eva Jinek finished third for her conversation about abortion policies with SGP leader Chris Stoffer.

The award was presented during the NPO 1 program Pauw & De Wit. This year marked the eighteenth edition of the accolade, which was founded by the VARAgids. Notably, the ceremony proceeded for the first time without the presence of its namesake, television legend Sonja Barend, who passed away this past April at the age of 86. The competition featured several other prominent journalists, including Twan Huys and Özcan Akyol, reflecting the high regard in which Kockelmann's work is currently held.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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

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