Dutch media Minister Ronald Plasterk has set an ultimatum for two Dutch Muslim television broadcasting networks, NMO and NIO, to cease their quarrels within 6 weeks. “Otherwise the shows will be off the air”, said Mr Plasterk. Yearly budget statistics from the Foundation for Islamic Broadcasting Time (SVIZ) showed that the two networks waste hundreds of thousands of euros on internal bickering.
Public broadcasting in the Netherlands is aimed at giving a voice to each social group in the culturally diverse Dutch society. The SVIZ was founded in 2007 to distribute the broadcasting subsidy equally between the more progressive NMO and the more conservative NIO. Every year the arguments between the two broadcasters result in substantial accountant, lawyer and other costs.
The price paid for two lawyers in two court cases that took place since 2007 approximated 200.000 euros. These expenses are covered with public money which is therefore not spent on making radio and television programmes.
(Source: RNW News)
