Dutch broadcaster responds to Peter Pannekoek’s NPO Start criticism

The Dutch public broadcaster NPO says the development of its streaming service, NPO Start, has its full attention after comedian Peter Pannekoek criticised the platform at the Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala. It said many steps were being taken, but gave no details of those changes in its reported response. [1]

Peter Pannekoek urged the NPO to improve the service during Thursday’s gala, shortly before the online video series category came up. He said its search function never works and complained about the number of cookies and adverts he encounters. Peter Pannekoek also claimed those problems lead more people to use NLZIET when catching up on programmes. His appeal drew loud cheers in the room, according to Nieuws.nl. [1]

The NPO described having its platform roasted on the gala’s main stage as an honour. [1] In the response quoted by Nieuws.nl, the broadcaster gave a general assurance about development rather than a specific answer to Pannekoek’s complaints about search, cookies and adverts or his claim about viewers choosing NLZIET. [1]