Unheard Netherlands may continue broadcasting, Uslu will not revoke its permit

The outgoing State Secretary ignores the request because she currently sees insufficient legal basis to make such a ‘far-reaching decision’.

Journalistic code exceeded

Despite her decision, there is definitely something going on at ON!, writes Uslu. By this she means that the NPO has imposed several sanctions on the broadcaster and that ON! according to the ombudsman, has violated the public broadcaster’s journalistic code several times.

Yet Uslu also notes that Arnold Karskens’ broadcaster showed a willingness to improve over the past year. Uslu expects that ON! will continue in this line. She wants the broadcaster and the NPO to enter into constructive discussions.

The broadcaster is also given ‘homework’. The broadcaster must ‘really work on better cooperation with other parties in the system’. “If they do not do so, the NPO can contact them again and then impose sanctions,” says Uslu about her assignment. A sanction can then be accompanied by a request to the State Secretary for Media to revoke ON!’s permit. to withdraw.

A possible new request is expected to have to be assessed by Uslu’s successor in a new cabinet to be formed. The PVV achieved a significant victory in the elections last Wednesday and is therefore the first to try to form a cabinet. Geert Wilders’ party is very pleased with ON! and outspoken opponent of sanctions.

‘Huge victory’

Omroep Ongehoord Nederland calls the decision a ‘huge victory’. “The voice that ON! expresses in the public system – of criticism of mass migration, very expensive climate plans, globalism and European integration and for the preservation of Dutch traditions and culture – is widely supported among the population,” said chairman Karskens on the site. “Last week’s election results have made this clear once again.” According to Karskens, the broadcaster will ‘continue to work to bring this voice to the public broadcaster’.

The parties involved will have two weeks to respond to this provisional decision, about which Uslu has informed the House of Representatives in a letter. The State Secretary will then make a final decision.