The Dutch public broadcasting system faces potential cuts of over 150 million euros annually from 2027, a move initiated by the now-fallen Schoof cabinet. The broadcasting world, however, sees an opportunity to reverse these planned reductions following the cabinet’s collapse.

In a joint statement, the Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO) and the College of Broadcasters (CvO) urged political leaders to reconsider the proposed cuts, emphasizing the importance of accessible, reliable programming and news provision during times of change. While supportive of a separate reform aimed at improving governability and efficiency within the broadcasting system by 2029, they stressed the need to maintain financial stability.

This plea follows previous efforts to prevent the cuts, including a petition signed by almost 200,000 people, highlighting the essential role of a strong public broadcaster in providing reliable information.

Despite the political uncertainty, some program adjustments have already occurred as a preview of potential future reductions. AvroTros discontinued “Het mooiste meisje van de klas,” while KRO-NCRV reduced episodes of “Keuringsdienst van waarde,” and VPRO ended “Plakshot.”

BNNVara will reduce airtime for programs like “First Dates” and “Van Roosmalen & Groenteman,” and will also be making cuts to radio programming. The EO is cutting back on “Blauw Bloed,” which will continue online, and discontinuing “Enkeltje Verweggistan,” while NTR is removing “Andere tijden” from TV, retaining only an online version. They will also discontinue “Top 2000: Untold Stories” and “Brainstorm.”

Omroep Max is also making cuts, discontinuing “Max pub quiz,” “Tv monument,” and “De rijdende rechter,” which recently aired its last episode after thirty years. Despite the hope for a restart of “De rijdende rechter” following the cabinet’s fall, Omroep Max boss Jan Slagter remains realistic about the likelihood of the cuts still proceeding.