nuSep 3, 2026, 10:34

Media watchdog wants minister to reconsider ON! recognition after Hitler segment

The Dutch Media Authority has urged the government to revoke the broadcasting license of ON! after a controversial segment featuring positive comments about a Hitler speech. Following two formal sanctions, the regulator states the legal conditions for a license review have been met, a move supported by multiple political parties.

The Dutch Media Authority has formally requested that Minister Letschert reconsider the broadcasting license of the broadcaster ON! following a controversial segment that featured a speech by Hitler. The media regulator indicated that it has imposed two formal sanctions on the organization since September 2025, meeting the legal threshold required to initiate a review of the broadcaster's provisional status. Several political parties in the Netherlands, including the VVD, CDA, PRO, and JA21, have voiced their support for this intervention, arguing that the broadcaster has failed to meet the necessary standards for participating in the public media system.

ON! director Peter Vlemmix maintains that the broadcaster is committed to continuing its operations, despite the criticism regarding the content in the Let's Twist Again program. The controversy erupted after a segment aired featuring commentary that suggested Hitler identified certain issues accurately, prompting widespread backlash from lawmakers. While the segment has since been removed and former editor-in-chief Joost Niemöller has resigned, the Media Authority remains firm in its belief that the broadcaster is unable to fulfill its public obligations.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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

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