Meta has removed a critical video featuring Dutch creator Roel Maalderink testing its AI glasses from Facebook and Instagram. The video, produced with privacy advocacy group Bits of Freedom, showed Maalderink filming employees outside Meta’s Amsterdam office to gather their opinions on the device. Meta stated the removal was due to policies against bullying and harassment, though the video remains available on YouTube. Maalderink expressed surprise at the takedown, noting his history of satirical content without prior censorship. Eva de Goeij from Bits of Freedom criticized the move, arguing it demonstrates Meta’s power to control public discourse and exclude self-criticism. The AI glasses, also known as 'peeping glasses,' have faced scrutiny over privacy concerns, including reports of secret filming and warnings from the Dutch Data Protection Authority and Consumer Union regarding potential bans.
Trump TV, a new 24/7 livestream launched by the White House on YouTube after Donald Trump revoked press credentials for critical media outlets, has drawn minimal live audiences compared to pre-recorded content. Major networks including CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox have temporarily boycotted covering presidential activities in solidarity with suspended journalists. Additionally, at least six large US hospitals agreed to cease gender-affirming care for minors following pressure from the Trump administration, and Trump held his first personal meeting with Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez during the UN summit.
Writer Özcan Akyol observes that Dutch football journalists struggle with new national team coach Xavi’s use of English during press conferences. Akyol argues that older reporters are frustrated because they cannot engage in deep, substantive conversations due to language barriers, whereas younger journalists view multilingualism as standard. He suggests this reflects a broader lack of emotional depth in sports journalism, where reporters prioritize scoring points over meaningful dialogue. Akyol concludes that these reporters find it difficult to accept their own inadequacies, though he doubts their future criticism will be professional if the team loses.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in Miami in December, stating that both nations are interested in a partial ceasefire regarding energy and grain facilities. Meanwhile, at least six major US hospitals agreed to cease gender-affirming care for minors following pressure from the Trump administration, which threatened federal subsidies. Republican Senator John Curtis called for an investigation into whether Donald Trump’s family benefits from his presidency, citing concerns over business activities and payments by a Russian oligarch.
A broad majority of the Dutch Lower House considers it unnecessary for public broadcasting associations to prove they have sufficient members next year, as this criterion will be abolished under the new Media Act scheduled for January 1, 2029. VVD MP Van der Maas and Pro MP Mohandis argue that conducting expensive membership campaigns now wastes taxpayer money and risks jeopardizing the ongoing consolidation of eleven broadcasters into four new houses. They urge Culture Minister Letschert to resolve the issue via urgent legislation or by basing future membership counts on combined cluster totals, ensuring funds are directed toward journalism rather than redundant recruitment efforts.
The cooking channel 24Kitchen is ending its linear television broadcast after more than fifteen years, with operations shifting entirely to Disney+ starting March 31. A spokesperson confirmed that while the channel will continue producing new content for six months until the full transition, the specific post-transition lineup remains unknown. Launched in October 2011, the channel featured prominent chefs such as Rudolph van Veen and Miljuschka Witzenhausen. The involved chefs have been informed of the decision and expressed their disappointment regarding the cessation of linear television programming.
Paramount Skydance has reached an agreement in twelve US states to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the deal on Monday on behalf of the participating states.
Mediahuis reported that 250,000 people registered for profiles on the revived social network Hyves within one day of its return after a thirteen-year hiatus. Due to high demand, new users are being admitted gradually via a waiting list to prevent technical issues. The platform, which peaked at ten million users before declining due to Facebook's rise, has been rebuilt with a European technical architecture and without algorithms. Owner Mediahuis emphasized that the renewed service focuses on social interaction rather than algorithmic curation, marking a significant nostalgic comeback for the former Dutch internet staple.
Australian illustrator Terry Denton has died at the age of 76. He is best known for illustrating the globally popular book series 'The Crazy Treehouse' alongside author Andy Griffiths, which follows two boys exploring a treehouse that expands with thirteen new floors in each installment. Griffiths praised their long collaboration as an honor and pure pleasure, expressing gratitude for their impact on children in Australia and worldwide. The series won the Dutch Children's Jury Prize in 2017, 2018, and 2020, and Griffiths previously wrote the gift for the Dutch Children's Book Week in 2022.
NRC editorialists argue that while President Donald Trump’s revocation of press credentials for CNN, Politico, and MS NOW poses a direct threat, the greater concern lies with media conglomerates and billionaire owners like Larry Ellison who enforce self-censorship. The article notes that major US networks refused to provide camera crews for Trump’s White House helipad unveiling, marking a rare moment of solidarity. However, the publication highlights that media giants face significant pressure through legal threats, FCC license risks, and corporate dependencies on federal contracts. This vulnerability is exacerbated by industry consolidation, such as Ellison’s acquisition of CNN, which has reportedly led to editorial purges and program cancellations. The commentary contrasts this structural coercion with individual journalists' historical lack of solidarity due to fear of losing access to the president.
Under the leadership of Amma Asante, the Dutch Media Authority has re-established its prominence by overseeing current issues such as youth online safety and political advertising transparency. The authority advised Minister Rianne Letschert to revoke the broadcasting license of ON! after it aired a program praising Hitler, which Asante described as a tipping point following a pattern of failures in journalistic quality and governance. Although the authority had placed ON! under intensified supervision in August 2024 to encourage improvement, the organization failed to address issues regarding financial management and conflict of interest. Consequently, the authority concluded that ON! is incapable of fulfilling its public media mandate, leading to ongoing procedures to remove it from the public broadcasting system.
Tina Nijkamp reports on the search for a new Sinterklaas host and a new role-playing dating show called Dateknight. She also highlights poor ratings for the talk show Renze, questioning if RTL will intervene, and criticizes the NPO for dedicating only 45 minutes to 75 years of television history.
The Netherlands will participate in the Eurovisie Songfestival after a one-year absence, with the public broadcaster NPO coordinating the selection and support of the Dutch entry. This decision follows AVROTROS's withdrawal due to concerns over the event's neutrality amid the military conflict involving Israel. NPO board chair Jet de Ranitz stated that discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) ensured the festival returns to its original goal of bringing Europe together. The EBU has implemented changes, including stricter rules for host cities during geopolitical tensions. While AVROTROS remains excluded from the new team, other broadcasters like Belgium's VRT have confirmed participation. The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 11, 13, and 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria, and will be broadcast on NPO Start and NPO 1.
The Dutch cooking channel 24Kitchen will cease linear television broadcasts on March 31 after more than fifteen years, shifting its focus to the Disney+ streaming platform. A spokesperson described the decision as made with pain, confirming that chefs have been informed and local content will continue within the new strategy. Founded in October 2011, the channel featured prominent figures such as Rudolph van Veen, Miljuschka Witzenhausen, and Hugo Kennis, alongside international stars like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. While the linear channel ends, some presenters like Hugo Kennis remain active with RTL on other cooking programs.
Danny Nozell, who leads She’s Alive and manages Dolly Parton’s estate, has filed for a restraining order against her nephew Bryan Seaver, alleging extortion and threats. Court documents reviewed by The New York Times state that Seaver, Parton’s former head of security for over 20 years, launched an escalating campaign of intimidation to extort money shortly before her death. The request cites Seaver’s military background and the paramilitary nature of his security unit as reasons for concern among partners. While an attorney reportedly resigned after receiving threatening calls and other staff hired additional protection, Seaver denies malicious intent. He told TMZ that messages were taken out of context during their grief and clarified that he is a professional military contractor, not an entertainment figure.
Reporters Without Borders tested six AI chatbots by requesting news from RT, Sputnik, and other EU-sanctioned Russian outlets, and found that three produced full summaries with links and quotes, sometimes after encountering web pages explicitly stating the outlets were under sanctions.
The US government defended its decision to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, citing failures to follow professional standards and risks to national security. While a Washington judge reviews a temporary suspension request, other networks have joined protests against the exclusion. Additionally, at least six major US hospitals agreed to stop providing gender-affirming care for minors following pressure from the Trump administration, which threatened federal subsidies. These settlements represent a victory for the administration but a setback for transgender rights advocates, as hospitals sought to avoid lengthy legal battles and protect patient data.
Rijk Hofman revealed that he and his brother Sam ended their popular podcast, Broers, in May 2025 because they no longer shared the same norms and values. He dismissed speculation that his relationship with influencer Stephanie Abu-Sbeih caused the split, stating he had already shifted the show's focus away from teenage topics before meeting her. Hofman expressed sadness over the decision but is now happy with the outcome, having launched a new podcast called Bubbel with Abu-Sbeih.
Former politician Renske Leijten and journalist Tom Staal discuss freedom, criticism, and the hardening tone of public debate in a podcast episode hosted by Fidan Ekiz and Ruth Oei. They explore topics such as media bubbles, social media polarization, and the personal challenges of reinventing oneself after years in the spotlight.
Science journalist Adriaan ter Braack urges media professionals to stop presenting orthomolecular therapists as experts, labeling their practice pseudoscience. He argues that these individuals, often trained by supplement-linked institutes like the Stichting Ortho Health Foundation, lack scientific rigor and mislead the public. Ter Braack criticizes outlets for giving such figures a platform alongside legitimate specialists, noting that this undermines credible experts in health and nutrition.
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