Listeners and web users have been sending thousands of messages of support to Radio Netherlands Worldwide as the Dutch government prepares to announce cuts to the international broadcaster. Messages of concern have been posted on RNW's various language sites, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Unconfirmed media reports earlier this month suggested that RNW could be left with less than a quarter of its current budget.
In preparation for the government announcement, RNW Director-General Jan Hoek has already introduced plans to save 10 million Euros a year by reducing Dutch-language activities and short-wave broadcasts. RNW will shift its journalistic focus to concentrate more on informing people in countries where freedom of the press is limited.
The plan, which is still awaiting government approval, could result in around 100 job losses spread over sites including Hilversum, Bonaire and Madagascar.
"With this new course, we will be ready because, just like all other public broadcasters, we will have to make a contribution to the necessary budget cuts," said Mr Hoek. "It is difficult, but with this new course we are making a proportional contribution."
A number of initiatives are under way to stave off the cuts and expected job losses.
RNW employees have created a multilingual website to elicit support from listeners and web users. Visitors to http://radionetherlands4u.nl/ can sign a petition which is available in nine languages.
RNW employees stress the broadcaster's important role in projecting a positive image of the Netherlands around the world. A staff statement posted on the website warns that the funding decision could affect the country's competitive position.
Former Dutch ambassadors and Dutch companies operating internationally have launched separate petitions against the government cuts. Both groups also emphasize that RNW is important for the image of the Netherlands abroad.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) has launched a petition amongst international news organizations. This highlights in particular the role that RNW plays in promoting press freedom in the world.
An action committee is collecting the responses to the various petitions, and will hand these to the Lower House just before a session scheduled for 26 June.
The annual budget for the Netherlands' international broadcasting service currently stands at 47 million Euros. RNW's mission includes providing news and information to Dutch nationals abroad, acting as an emergency broadcasting station in case of international disasters, informing people in regions where press freedom is limited and presenting a realistic and balanced view of the Netherlands.
(Source : European Broadcasting Union)
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