The newspaper spoke to more than seventy former employees of DWD extension. The VARA and later the BNNVARA were warned several times about the unhealthy working atmosphere in the program editorial staff. The broadcaster never intervened.
Between 2005 and 2020 – the years in which the program was on TV – there was a culture of fear. This was partly caused by presenter Van Nieuwkerk’s extreme outbursts of anger. According to the newspaper, many employees were scolded, humiliated and intimidated by him.
The editors-in-chief would also contribute to this. It caused a lot of stress and a feeling of insecurity in the newsroom.
Many employees have experienced burnout, severe psychological distress, anxiety and panic attacks, or been harmed in other ways. Some still suffer from it today.
BNNVARA admits to transgressive behavior
BNNVARA’s current management admits that there has been cross-border behavior. “The editor and final presenter should have been held to account for their behavior and culture in the newsroom. The fact that this did not happen at the time is painful for the (former) colleagues who are affected by this.”
Over the past few months, management has had “very in-depth” conversations with Van Nieuwkerk. In it, the 62-year-old host allegedly acknowledged crossing boundaries on the program floor, which he presented from 2005 to 2020.
In a extended answer BNNVARA further delves into the investigation on de Volkskrant. “The newsroom culture was clearly too focused on the bottom line and too little on the collaborative process. But the pressure to make a great program should never be at the expense of our employees.”
Presenter Van Nieuwkerk regrets
Van Nieuwkerk himself says he regrets not being able to give everyone a safe and pleasant feeling at the time.
From the search for de Volkskrant it turns out that Van Nieuwkerk also during the tapings of the program Songs! crossed a border. After an angry outburst from the announcer, one employee said he felt he was being treated cross-border.
BNNVARA is not yet conducting an independent investigation. The broadcaster invites (former) employees to share their stories.
