In 2007, Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO) was created as the new umbrella organization for Dutch public service media, while NOS continued to operate as a task broadcaster within the newly formed NPO.

The Dutch public broadcasting system, run by NPO, consists of two categories of broadcasters. The first category includes the task broadcasters: NOS, which focuses on news, current affairs, sports, and national events, and NTR, which produces programming on education and culture. The second category comprises nine broadcasting associations that serve specific audiences or represent social and ideological movements.

NPO also operates BVN (Best of Flanders and the Netherlands), a Dutch-language channel designed for viewers abroad. In radio, NPO runs seven channels, covering a wide range of genres and audiences.

Media assets

Television: National- NPO 1, NPO 2, NPO 3, NPO Zappelin, NPO Zapp; International- BVN TV

Radio: NPO Radio 1, NPO Radio 2, NPO 3 FM, NPO Klassiek, NPO Radio 5, NPO Fun X

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded (ISF)

Ownership and governance

The Dutch public broadcasting system is coordinated by NPO, a foundation that oversees a constellation of public service radio and television broadcasters representing different segments of society. Broadcasting time is allocated in accordance with the Dutch Media Act of 2008, designed to guarantee equitable representation for all social groups.

The NPO itself is the highest governing body of the Dutch public media system. Its Supervisory Board is chaired by a figure appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. The remaining members are also appointed either by the minister or by member broadcasting associations, in a way that reduces the risk of direct political interference.

Each member broadcaster within the NPO retains its own governance structures, providing an additional layer of editorial protection. Their roles and responsibilities are legally defined, and they enjoy full freedom in producing programs. NPO’s primary role is to act as coordinator—managing scheduling, subtitling, rights contracts, and international acquisitions across the system.

In April 2025, Media Minister Eppo Bruins announced a major overhaul of the system, reducing the current 11 broadcasters to four or five “broadcasting houses.” The long-standing 100,000-member threshold for broadcaster recognition will be abolished. NTR is set to be dissolved as an independent entity, with its flagship programs (Nieuwsuur, Het Klokhuis, among others) integrated into the new structure. The government has pledged these programs will continue.

Source of funding and budget

The NPO is financed through a mixed system: primarily state subsidies, supplemented by commercial revenues. In 2022, the public media system received €893 million in subsidies, largely from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. NPO also generates income through advertising, sponsorships, and content sales. To manage this, NPO established Dutch CORE in 2017, a unit dedicated to distributing content to platforms such as Netflix and Videoland. Revenue from Dutch CORE, however, only covers its operating costs.

In 2024, the coalition government announced plans to reduce NPO’s budget by €100 million annually from 2026 onward, starting from a baseline budget of more than €940 million.

Editorial independence

Under the Dutch Media Act of 2008, NPO is legally required to deliver unbiased, balanced content, and its editorial independence from the government is explicitly guaranteed. The Act ensures that programming focuses on public service content, including impartial reporting on parliamentary and political affairs.

Oversight is carried out by the Commissariaat voor de Media (CvdM), an independent regulator responsible for monitoring both commercial and public media.

Additional safeguards include: the NPO Code of Conduct for Good Governance and Integrity, drafted in consultation with member organizations; the Public Broadcasting Integrity Committee (CIPO), which offers advice on governance and ethical standards; and the NPO Ombudsman, an independent authority tasked with reviewing editorial complaints and upholding accountability.

Although legal guarantees remain intact, critics have warned that the planned budget cuts and structural reforms risk undermining editorial diversity by reducing the number of independent broadcasters. The government insists that independence will not be curtailed, but media unions and observers remain cautious, noting that financial pressure can have an indirect chilling effect on editorial choices.

August 2025

Media assets

Online: RNW Media

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent Public (IP)

Ownership and governance

The Supervisory Board of RNW Media remains the ultimate governing body, responsible for appointing the CEO and steering the organization’s strategic direction. The board’s recruitment is facilitated by an independent HR consultancy through an open application process—specifically aiming to attract young, diverse, multiethnic candidates, guided by insights from local experts and journalists.

As of June 2025, Wouter van Tongeren has assumed the role of CEO, a new dawn for RNW Media, ushering in fresh leadership and vision.

Source of funding and budget

RNW Media continues to rely on a mix of government subsidies and grants from foundations, donor organizations, and institutions such as UNESCO, the U.S. Department of State, EU bodies, the Dutch Postcode Lottery, and others.

In 2020, RNW Media operated with a budget of €13.6m, with 58% coming from a subsidy awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the organization’s annual report. The following year, the company had a budget of €6.4m, with state funding representing less than 40% of that. In 2022, RNW Media had a total budget of €9.3m, €6.2m of which came from a grant awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as stated in the company’s annual report. In 2023, RNW Media had a budget of €8.3m, €3.9m of which came from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The remainder was contributed by donors such as UNESCO, U.S. Department of State, FPU, EU and the Dutch Postcode Lottery. In 2024, the company had an operational budget of €6.4m and expenditures of €7.9m, which led to a negative result of €1.5m.

RNW Media’s digital footprint extends across more than 40 countries spanning Europe, North and East Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and East Asia. As of 2024, the organization and its network reached over 500 million people annually, mostly young audiences, with significant reported shifts in knowledge and behavior (89.6% gained new knowledge or altered attitudes; 58.3% experienced notable changes in behavior).

Editorial independence

RNW Media retains full editorial autonomy: no government mandates govern content. Instead, decisions are made collaboratively within editorial teams. The organization upholds strict ethical safeguards, including codes of conduct and whistleblowing policies, and adheres to transparency and inclusive decision‑making.

August 2025