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Dutch Media Regulator Fines Ongehoord Nederland Over Conflict of Interest
Amsterdam, Netherlands – The Dutch media regulator, the Commissariaat voor de media, has fined the controversial broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON) for a perceived conflict of interest, the regulator announced today, October 30, 2025. The penalty comes amid ongoing scrutiny of ON’s editorial practices and its adherence to broadcasting regulations.
The fine centers on concerns regarding the financial ties between ON and individuals involved in its operations, raising questions about the broadcaster’s independence. This decision follows previous criticism of ON for broadcasting inflammatory content, including the repeated use of the n-word by presenter Raisa Blommestijn and the airing of unsubstantiated claims of racial abuse. The regulator previously declined to act on these issues, stating it did not want to “sit in the judge’s seat.”
Ongehoord Nederland, established in January 2022, quickly gained notoriety for its far-right leaning programming, including the show Unheard News. In its initial year, the broadcaster aired footage purporting to show Black youth assaulting white individuals, a claim ON presented as evidence of racist attacks without providing supporting evidence.The broadcaster also provided a platform for politician Filip Dewinter of the Vlaams Belang to discuss the xenophobic concept of ‘repopulation’ in a May 2022 interview.
The Commissariaat’s action underscores the importance of maintaining editorial independence and adhering to broadcasting standards in the netherlands. The regulator has not disclosed the amount of the fine,but stated it will be closely monitoring ON’s compliance with regulations moving forward. The ruling could potentially impact ON’s future broadcasting licence and its ability to operate within the Dutch media landscape.
