Rob Stenders Admits “Disloyalty” to BnnVara After Nearly Returning toโค Public Radio
Radio personality Rob Stenders revealed he almost rejoined โBnnVara in 2023 followingโ changes atโ Radio Veronica, but ultimatelyโ chose to remain with the โcommercial station, โขa decision he now describes as “very disloyal.” The admission comes โฃas Stenders reflects on โขa period of professional uncertainty following his departure from BnnVara in 2021 and โฃa brief,unsatisfyingโข stint asโค station manager at Veronica.
Stenders initially left BnnVara for Radio Veronica, where he also took โon the role of station manager. That position ended in 2023 when Talpa sold the station to Mediahuis, sparking speculation about a possible return toโ public broadcasting. A BnnVara spokesperson confirmed at the โฃtime that Stenders was “always welcome.” However, the prospect of reuniting withโข colleagues nearly lured him back before plans for theโข future of Veronica became โฃclearer.
The DJ expressed dissatisfaction with his time as a โคchannel boss, telling De Telegraaf that the role was “a โขtough period” and thatโ he wasn’t a “classic leader,” recalling the blunt feedback style of radio veteran Lex Harding.โ “Iโค think I just made it โขthrough with โฃa kind โฃof charm. I would never have said ‘yes’ to that position again,” he stated.
When the sale to Mediahuis materialized, Stenders was onโ the verge of signing a deal with BnnVara. “Theโ radio DJ chose his money’s worth and virtually signed with โฃBnnVara,the broadcaster for wich he previously made radio on NPO Radio 2 and 3FM,” De Telegraaf reported.
However, Stenders’ plans shifted when he learned of Mediahuis’ vision for the station, notably their interest in bringing โon Gerard Ekdom,โ Wouter van der Goes & Frank van ‘t Hof, and Coen & Sander. “During my โขtime as channel boss of veronica, I was already working onโ bringing in Gerard EkdomโฆWe were close to a deal” with Coen & Sander, who ultimately choseโค a morning show on JOE.
Ultimately, securing these colleagues convinced Stenders to stay. “When it became clear that Geer, Wout and Frank would transfer, I thought: I would be crazy if I didn’t stay now. Making radio with my group of โfriends feelsโค like a privilege. Even thoughโ at the time I thought I was very disloyal to BnnVara,” heโค said.
Despite contemplating retirement,Stenders remains committed to his current work. “I thought I would retireโค after this tour on the radio,it has been nice so far. I don’t โฃno exactly when. For the time being I am still having a great time with Caroline and de Bonanza.”