nuOct 28, 2026, 07:54

Maximum of eighty local broadcasters from 2028 after Senate support

The Dutch Senate has approved new legislation that will cap the number of local broadcasters at eighty by 2028 to enhance journalistic quality and financial stability. Funding will shift from local municipalities to the national government, with the total budget increasing from 13 million to 31 million euros.

The Dutch Senate has approved legislation that will limit the number of local broadcasters to a maximum of eighty by 2028. This restructuring aims to consolidate resources, allowing stations to improve their journalistic quality and operate with greater financial stability. Under the new system, responsibility for funding will shift from individual municipalities to the national government.

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science stated that this transition will allow local broadcasters to act more independently and effectively serve as watchdogs for local democracy. To support these changes, the structural budget allocated to local broadcasting will increase significantly from 13 million euros to 31 million euros. The Commissariaat voor de Media is scheduled to begin the selection procedure for these eighty designated broadcasters next month to ensure the transition is completed according to the new mandate.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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

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