The NLPO (Nederlandse Lokale Publieke Omroepen) is the collaboration and coordination body of all local public broadcasters in the Netherlands. It supports local public broadcasters in various fields in improving both the professionalism of the sector and the quality of the productions of local broadcasters, so that they can meet the statutory requirements of a Sufficient Local Media Programme (LTMA, Lokaal Toereikend Media-Aanbod) in areas such as journalistic quality. The mission of the NLPO is to be a viable and socially relevant local broadcaster that contributes to local democracy.
On behalf of the approximately 250 local broadcasters, the NLPO’s activities include operating a common infrastructure, negotiating collective contracts (distribution, rights) and making strategic agreements with interested parties such as the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG), The Dutch Media Commission, the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ), the Foundation for Ether Advertising (STER) and the regional and national public broadcasting companies. The NLPO also promotes the transition of local broadcasters into (80) regional broadcasters, organises training courses for broadcasting companies’ employees as well as some 20,000 volunteers and has developed a quality mark for broadcasting organisations.
The NLPO was established in 2015 by the OLON (Organisation of Local Broadcasters in the Netherlands). Its main aim is to stimulate, facilitate and create the right conditions for a Sufficient Local Media Programme (LTMA) for every person in the Netherlands — through local public media institutions that are enshrined in Articles 2.1 and 2.3 of the Media Act. In addition to the activities carried out by the NLPO, the OLON focuses on the individual interests of and the exchange of knowledge between the local broadcasting companies.
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LTMA includes:
- A programme that is aimed at the environment in which people live, work, play sports, go to school, go out in the evenings, shop and use public facilities.
- With consideration for regions with their own geographic, economic and social-cultural identity or a certain degree of cohesion. This area can extend beyond municipal boundaries.
- A programme that can be found and accessed by everyone in the region.
- A programme that is independent and contributes to local democracy.
- A programme that is available on all relevant platforms.
- A programme (audio, video, text and photos) that is published on at least the (linear, digital) radio channels and (linear, digital) television channels of all must-carry package providers and own internet channels, including social media, mobile devices and Over The Top television (OTT-TV).
- News on all channels and in all types of media at least five days per week, including 24/7 editorial accessibility in the event of emergencies.
- In addition to the substantive criteria for the programme, there are also criteria for the operations and organisation:
- The programme is put together through a professional operational process.
- There is an optimal cross-fertilisation between professionals and volunteers, both paid and unpaid workers.
