Dutch Association of Journalists concerned over DPG’s RTL takeover

The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) has expressed deep concern over the decision by the competition authority ACM to approve the acquisition of RTL Nederland by media giant DPG Media. The union questioned whether the regulator had adequately considered the objections it submitted during the review.

According to the NVJ, the takeover will significantly disrupt competition in the Dutch media landscape. “The creation of a company that is so much larger and more powerful than its competitors upsets the balance in the market and potentially puts freelance journalists and employees in a disadvantaged position,” the NVJ said in a statement.

The journalists’ association also warned about the risks of concentrated influence. “The combination of DPG and RTL will soon have enormous data and opinion power, covering almost the entire Dutch public. That creates a major risk if this company is acquired by a (foreign) party with a possible political interest,” the NVJ said.

Although the NVJ acknowledged that ACM had paid attention to these concerns, the group questioned whether the safeguards imposed by the regulator were sufficient. “It is highly questionable whether these remedies are adequate to mitigate the risks mentioned,” the NVJ said. The association announced it would further study ACM’s decision.

Caretaker Minister Eppo Bruins, who holds the media portfolio for NSC, responded positively to the outcome. He said he believed the conditions attached to the takeover would “strengthen the independence of journalism.”

Bruins said he was satisfied that the websites of RTL Nieuws and NU.nl must remain freely accessible and cannot be placed behind a paywall. The minister also pointed out that the two news outlets will be protected by a foundation tasked with preserving their editorial identity. In addition, their editorial boards will receive veto power over the appointment and dismissal of editors-in-chief.

Bruins emphasized the importance of strengthening editorial statutes at other DPG publications, including NU.nl, AD, and de Volkskrant. He welcomed the clarity the approval now provides and said it was essential to trust the judgment of the ACM.