Minister of Culture and Education Ronald Plasterk approved the candidacy of PowNed and WNL, two organisations which had applied for entry into the public broadcasting system. Furthermore, the broadcaster MAX was accorded full recognition but another, called LLiNK, had its access rescinded. The NPO views these decisions as a step in the right direction towards a more transparent broadcasting system. Not only can new broadcasters apply but existing ones must continue to demonstrate their social relevance and added value in order to retain their place in the system.

The NPO congratulates MAX on being fully recognized and welcomes the new candidates, PowNed and WNL. The NPO regrets the consequences for the employees of LLiNK, who have invested their heart and soul in this organisation. In its previous advice, the NPO had asked the minister to create a budget for the proper termination of LLiNK as a media institution.

As of September 2010 it will be possible for the first time to see and hear the programmes from PowNed and WNL. Also MAX will be able to extend its broadcasting hours. During the coming months, the NPO, together with the other broadcasters, will decide on the redistribution of airtime that follows from this reshuffle.