De Breij Downplays De Jong’s Column Shift Amidst Global Crises

Comedian questions the media’s focus on celebrity career moves

Humorist Claudia de Breij is critiquing the significant attention given to journalist Angela de Jong’s transition away from television criticism. De Breij suggests the media is magnifying this professional shift while overlooking more pressing global and national issues.

A Shifting Focus

Angela de Jong is concluding her role as a dedicated TV columnist, moving to a broader generalist columnist position with the AD newspaper. This change signifies an end to her specific focus on critiquing televised content, a move that may bring relief to some in the public eye.

Prioritizing Global Events

In her recent column for the Varagids, Claudia de Breij expressed her view that the media’s emphasis on de Jong‘s career adjustment is disproportionate. De Breij contrasted this with significant international and domestic affairs.

“Israel commits a genocide on the Palestinians and in the Netherlands it becomes punishable to help refugees in need,” she stated, drawing a stark comparison to the coverage.

—Claudia de Breij

She cynically added, “Furthermore, it is wonderful terrace weather and Angela de Jong stops her television column. No successor has been found yet.”

The Nature of Columnism

De Breij appeared to question the perceived importance of the columnist role itself, implying that the profession, at times, involves generating content with minimal substantive learning.

“Angela is now about writing everything. Because she not only knows about television, but everything. Great, seems to me.”

—Claudia de Breij

She concluded this thought by stating, “I have not learned anything for anything and yet I can regularly fill space with my opinion here.”

A Broader Commentary on Responsibility

Expanding her critique, De Breij questioned whether she, or any columnist, truly contributes essential knowledge, musing, “We all do something. For columnists that may not be that bad. I am not sure for politicians.”

Her remarks seemed to implicitly reference the recent fall of a Dutch cabinet, suggesting a need for greater seriousness in professional conduct, regardless of academic background. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), in 2023, only 38.5% of the Dutch population felt that the government was transparent in its decision-making, potentially reflecting public sentiment on governmental accountability (CBS 2023).

Ultimately, De Breij posited that the true value lies not in the specific role, but in the commitment to one’s work, adding a pointed remark about politicians potentially benefiting from taking their responsibilities more seriously.