AVROTROS and PowNed to form first broadcasting house as a result of media reform plans

The broadcast companies AVROTROS and PowNed will join together to form the first broadcasting house in the new public system. This was announced by both companies on Tuesday. Media minister Eppo Bruins announced on Friday that the tasks of the individual broadcasters will be transferred to four or five broadcasting houses.

The boards of directors of both broadcast companies have agreed to the temporary decision to form “Omroephuis 1.” The broadcast companies will work under a joint supervisory board from January 1, 2029, “while maintaining their own identity.”

AVROTROS and PowNed already work together in some aspects, like IT, legal cases, finances, and human resources. “By expanding the current successful partnership with PowNed and forming a broadcasting house, we are showing that we want to progress,” said AVROTROS director Taco Zimmerman.

Pow-Ned boss Dominique Weesie added to this sentiment. “Let us be the first to dare to step over our shadow in the interest of a public broadcaster that is efficient and decisive, but while retaining the identity of both broadcasting brands."

Bruins also announced on Friday that the NTR will cease to exist due to the reshaping of the national broadcasting system. The NTR’s activities will remain, but they will be transferred to one of the broadcasting houses.