Extinction Rebellion protests NOS coverage of climate, Gaza conflict in Hilversum

Dozens of Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists demonstrated outside the NOS building at Media Park in Hilversum, Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction with the Dutch public broadcaster’s reporting on the climate crisis and the war in Gaza, NOS reported.

The demonstration had been announced in advance. The group hung banners on the facade of the NOS headquarters and set off smoke flares during the protest, which lasted approximately two and a half hours.

XR activists criticized the NOS for what they consider insufficient or biased coverage of pressing global issues, particularly climate change and the Gaza conflict.

In response, the NOS editorial board highlighted its ongoing engagement with Extinction Rebellion representatives over recent years. “Everyone has the freedom to offer criticism and to demonstrate,” said Giselle van Cann, editor-in-chief of NOS Nieuws. “But ultimately, journalism chooses its own words. That is what press freedom means.”

The protest passed without incident, and the NOS maintained its stance on editorial independence while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest.