Authority concerned about social media, streaming services detracting from Dutch media

The Dutch Media Authority (CvdM) is concerned about the increasing use of social media and streaming services, saying it comes at the expense of the use of Dutch media. The CvdM called it “a worrying development” in its Media Monitor 2024, “because Dutch television channels not only inform citizens but also play a connecting role in society.”

According to the CvdM, social media can partly take over the informative role, but only if reliable journalism becomes more visible and easily findable online. “This requires targeted action from both legislators and media companies.”

Streaming services cannot replace Dutch television channels “because they do not offer news and current affairs and only have a limited Dutch content,” the CvdM said.

The CvdM referred to a previous study it published earlier this year showing that young people mainly use streaming services and social media, also for their news sources. “The Media Monitor shows that this shift to online is not only affecting young people but now applies to all Dutch people,” the Authority said.

“Our media landscape is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly international,” CvdM chair Amma Asante said in the report. “It is crucial that reliable and relevant information remains visible and accessible to everyone.”

The CvdM urged the government to make use of European legislation and regulations to create a reliable and safe information environment and to make important information prominently visible and easy to find. Dutch media companies must maintain their informative role and ensure that reliable journalism becomes easier to find, the CvdM said.

“European regulations play a key role in making the Dutch media offering more visible and creating a media environment that meets the needs of users,” Asante said. “A diverse and independent media offering is the backbone of a healthy democracy.”