During a recent broadcast of the Dutch talk indicate Vandaag Inside, political journalist Wouter de Winther defended talk show host Eva Jinek against criticism from Wilfred Genee, one of the program’s presenters. Genee had suggested Jinek was avoiding work during the current Olympic Games, a period when NPO 1 is dedicated to sports coverage instead of her usual talk show.
Genee questioned Jinek’s whereabouts, stating, “I maintain looking for Eva. Is she on another channel? I can’t find her!” Tina Nijkamp, a guest on the show, clarified that Jinek was on a scheduled two-week vacation coinciding with the Olympics.
Genee pressed further, noting Jinek had recently taken a month-long break. “But she was just off, wasn’t she?” he asked.
De Winther intervened, stating, “She wanted to continue working, but NPO instructed her to step down due to the Olympic Games.” Genee responded skeptically, suggesting Jinek could find work elsewhere. “But then why doesn’t she just go somewhere else?”
De Winther explained that Jinek was willing to explore other opportunities, but was constrained by NPO’s directive. Genee accused De Winther of protecting his own position, to which De Winther responded, “A job? I’ve had a good job at De Telegraaf for fifteen years.”
The conversation shifted to the location of Jinek’s studio, with Johan Derksen questioning De Winther about his opinion of the “expensive Hallen” in Amsterdam. De Winther acknowledged the studio was a pleasant environment, preferable to the facilities in Hilversum. He clarified he only visited for work, not for leisure.
Genee contrasted Jinek’s studio with the atmosphere at the Media Park in Hilversum, describing the latter as having a “grim mood.” Derksen added that the Amsterdam location was convenient for talk show guests who lived in the city, requiring less travel time.
De Winther reiterated his lack of involvement in studio decisions, stating, “I don’t understand any of that, and fortunately I don’t have anything to say about it. Hilversum is terrible, you all agree.”
At the end of the show, Genee asked De Winther to pass on greetings to Jinek, remarking on her extended time off. “Two weeks already? Goodness, she’s been off for a long time, hasn’t she! Unbelievable! And still off on Fridays, or not? Incredible! Give me a collective agreement like that!”
According to a report from MediaCourant published August 27, 2025, there has been uncertainty surrounding De Winther’s future with Vandaag Inside, as he had reportedly entered into agreements with Jinek. However, De Winther claimed he could continue appearing on both programs. The report also noted that Genee later nuanced this claim, suggesting De Winther would only be allowed to appear on Vandaag Inside on Fridays, when Jinek’s show is not airing.
Another report from Socialnieuws.nl, published August 22, 2025, stated that De Winther had chosen to work with Jinek rather than accept an offer from RTL Tonight, citing a long-standing positive relationship and a preference for the content of Jinek’s program.
