Dutch commercial radio station RTL FM has lost its court case against the Dutch state, which has transferred its licence to 100%NL with effect from 8 July. This means that the 100%NL will launch as planned on 8 July on all the terrestrial FM frequencies currently occupied by RTL FM.
100%NL now has one week to prepare its launch. One of the key presenters will be Dave Donkervoort, who will present his farewell show after 17 years with Radio 10 Gold this afternoon at 1400-1700 UTC. During the show, the identity of his replacement will be revealed.
Also changing jobs today is Chairman of the Board of 100%NL, Herbert Visser, who is leaving the Dutch news agency ANP. One of his last jobs at ANP was to write the news story of his own station’s success in overcoming the final hurdle to getting on the air.
100%NL will be launching from a temporary studio in the Radio Netherlands building, and will move to a new studio in Amsterdam later this year. Speaking to Dutch media site Radiofreak, Herbert Visser explained that the station will begin broadcasting continuous music shortly after midnight on 8 July, when the main FM transmitters have been switched over. A number of transmitters have to be switched manually, and it’s expected to be around 2.30 am before the entire network is operational. Interim programming - mostly continuous music with news, weather and travel information will begin at 7am on 8 July, and the full schedule of presented programmes will launch on 1 September, when Dave Donkervoort will be heard on air for the first time. Prior to that, he will be training some of the young presenters who have little or no radio experience.
RTL News says that the company will almost certainly seek damages from the State. RTL bid 23 million euro for the licence, while 100%NL made a token bid of just 8000 euro. A notice has been published on the website of RTL FM which confirms that the station will remain in operation on cable, at least for the time being.
RTL FM lodges appeal against closing on 8 July
RTL FM loses licence to 100%NL following government decision - RTL to appeal
on Jun 30th, 2006 at 22:18
Good luck to everyone at 100%NL. It’s going to be a busy few days putting all the bits together in time for the 8th!