The Dutch government has begun proceedings to revoke the broadcasting license of Ongehoord Nederland, a right-wing broadcaster that has faced repeated criticism over alleged misinformation, bias and the promotion of conspiracy theories, AFP reported.
Media Minister Rianne Letschert announced the move on Tuesday, stressing that the decision followed what she described as persistent problems rather than a single incident.
“Anyone who wishes to be part of the public service broadcasting sector and receives public funding for this must abide by the rules we have agreed upon together,” she said, adding that the measures were not taken lightly.
The latest controversy erupted after an online program in July featured former editor-in-chief Joost Niemoller and presenter Raisa Blommenstijn discussing Adolf Hitler. Niemoller resigned last week after expressing approval of a speech by the Nazi dictator.
The former editor said Hitler “said it well”, while also stating there were “certain things about Hitler” he agreed with.
Ongehoord Nederland president Peter Vlemmix said before the government’s announcement that the broadcaster “would not simply accept” the decision.
The broadcaster will have an opportunity to respond and can also pursue legal action in an effort to prevent the license from being revoked.
The decision followed calls from Dutch public broadcaster NPO, which asked Letschert on Monday to suspend Ongehoord Nederland. NPO cited a “systematic failure to comply with the code of ethics for journalists” as well as “an insufficient willingness to cooperate with other broadcasters”.
The broadcaster has been part of the Dutch public broadcasting system since 2022 and has repeatedly clashed with the NPO, the umbrella organization for broadcasters, over editorial standards and impartiality. It has also received several fines over its programming.
The Netherlands’ public broadcasting system consists of several independent, membership-based broadcasters that share public funding and airtime.
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