After criticism has arisen on the choice of Jort Kelder as debate leader at the theme day The Netherlands against racism, the NPO responds Wednesday via Twitter to explain next Sunday’s schedule.
The criticism of the choice for Kelder is partly from the Black Renaissance Collective, which includes critical thinkers, artists, philosophers and activists. They find Kelder, among other things, not objective enough to debate The Defense Line of the Netherlands from AVROTROS.
“Criticism of the choice of a presenter is allowed, but Jort Kelder has clearly demonstrated during previous editions of this AVROTROS program that he is a competent debate leader, with room for all sounds. Right now we need to enter into conversation with each other”, responds the NPO.
The AVROTROS agrees and explains what the program will look like. “It is debated on the basis of the statement: The current racism debate is driving the Netherlands apart. Different sounds and views are discussed here. We call on people to participate in a live discussion on this topic in Rotterdam on Sunday, in order to have the most balanced debate possible. “
The Black Renaissance Collective recently wrote one brief to NPO director Shula Rijxman, in which earlier statements by Kelder were quoted to show that he could not be objectively in the debate. The collective announced that they would call their supporters to a boycott. Action group Kick Out Zwarte Piet has already shown that it joins the protest.
Under the title The Netherlands against racism The NPO and broadcasters will pay attention to racism with various programs on television, radio and online on Sunday. The debate The Defense of the Netherlands, broadcast on Sunday evening is part of that.
Of previously announced special from Also here, again with police officer Dwight van van de Vijver as presenter, is immediately after The Defense Line of the Netherlands programmed. What the rest of the theme day will look like will be announced later.
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