Dutch Senate backs plan to cut local broadcasters to 80
The Dutch Senate has backed a reform that will reduce the number of local broadcasters to no more than 80 from 2028 and raise their structural funding to €31 million a year.
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The Dutch Senate has approved a reform that will cut the number of local broadcasters from more than 200 to a maximum of 80 from 1 January 2028, while increasing their annual structural funding from €13 million to €31 million.
The new system is intended to strengthen local journalism. The Dutch Media Authority will begin the process of selecting the future broadcasters next month. The reform also shifts their funding from municipalities to the national government.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science says national funding should allow local broadcasters to operate more independently and better fulfil their role as watchdogs of local democracy. The law takes effect on 1 January 2028.
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