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A Dutch reader living in California tells us, "When I am visiting in the Netherlands I do watch some TV of course. One thing that is different from other European countries is the fact that all foreign programs are brought in the original language. The stations supply sub-titles in Dutch, however, because there are Dutchmen who do not understand English, German or French, usually older people. But especially English is a second language in Holland. Most people have no trouble understanding English or German. French is a more difficult language for the Dutch. I find that the use of language has deteriorated a lot. Swearing and dirty words are being used everyday on tv. So is nudity. They show the viewers everything. American situation comedies are plentyful and the taped laughter is just as annoying as here. Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer are regulars. However, there are sometimes interesting shows and documentaries of a higher level. The news is still being read from a sheet of paper and the reporter is not facing the viewers. The speed is slower, but there are less phony smiles. The weather forcast comes only twice a day and they don't waste time to mention the temperature of every city that is only 2 miles apart. I don't know of any Dutch-language series, whether it is a soap opera or a film in episodes. I am sure that they are being shown too, but I don't live there anymore, so I really don't know."
A Dutch reader living in California tells us, "When I am visiting in the Netherlands I do watch some tv of course. One thing that is different from other European countries is the fact that all foreign programs are brought in the original language. The stations supply sub-titles in Dutch, however, because there are Dutchmen who do not understand English, German or French, usually older people. But especially English is a second language in Holland. Most people have no trouble understanding English or German. French is a more difficult language for the Dutch." Another Dutch reader confirms that a lot of programs are shown in the original language, unless it's for really young viewers.
Our reader write, "I find that the use of language has deteriorated a lot. Swearing and dirty words are being used everyday on tv. So is nudity. They show the viewers
everything."
Our reader tells us, "American situation comedies are plentyful and the taped laughter is just as annoying as here. Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer are regulars."
Our Dutch reader reports "There are sometimes interesting shows and documentaries of a higher level. The news is still being read from a sheet of paper and the reporter is not facing the viewers. The speed is slower, but there are less phony smiles. The weather forcast comes only twice a day and they don't waste time to mention the temperature of every city that is only 2 miles apart. I don't know of any Dutch-language series, whether it is a soap opera or a film in episodes. I am sure that they are being shown too, but I don't live there anymore, so I really don't know."
A Dutch reader writes, "To my knowledge there is no government control on tv programming in Holland whatsoever." We note that there are public channels. We are not sure, however, about the level of government involvement in or control over public television.
A Dutch reader in California tells us. "The Dutch companies that are responsible for the tv programs are the same that started radio programming when I grew up. At that time there were five 5 different radio stations to choose from: KRO (Roman Catholic), NCRV (Dutch Reformed), VPRO (Free Protestant), AVRO (General), and VARA (Politically to the left). These organizations continued their radio broadcasts and started television programming until today. Some of them might have changed their names and dropped the religious emphasis through the years, but they all are independent private companies without accountability to the government." A Dutch reader tell us, "There are three public channels who are subsidized by the state, and six commercial channels who get their money from advertising (we've only had commercial television since 1989!).
The commercial channels bring a lot of American sit-coms, and shows like Oprah Winfrey. It is true that the commercial channels show a lot of nudity and porn. The commercial channels also show Dutch programs, but they are usually of a different level, like Big Brother. Indeed, Big Brother is a Dutch concept. It was created by Endemol, the most successful Dutch production company (a merger of Joop van den Ende and John de Mol). Of course we also have our own soaps, with "Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden" being the most popular.
The public channels show more quality television like good documentaries and Dutch-language series (for example "Oud Geld" and "Zwarte Sneeuw"). Popular Dutch TV-shows are: "B&W", "Kopspijkers", "Man Bijt Hond" and "Raymann Is Laat".
Apart from national television there's also local television. Local television is often subsidized by local authorities and made by volunteers.
A Dutch reader tells us, "There are quite a lot of shows and series that show the development of boys' clothing. Sometimes they show reruns of the show "De Film Van Ome Willem", a show (for children) from the 1970s; it's funny to see how cloths and hairstyles have changed since then. If you want to see more traditional clothing you might want to watch "Bartje" (1972) or "Merijntje Gijzen" (1974) both about farm boys. I guess we don't have a lot of series about posh boys, the only one I can remember is "De Zevensprong" (1982) about a boy locked away in a castle. Last but not least I would like to mention "Q & Q" a very popular show from 1972 about two very inquisitive boys."
A Dutch reader writes, "Dutch schoolchildren don't have to wear uniforms (unless they go to an international school) so you won't see those in Dutch programs."
Keijser, Marjolein. E-mail message, June 27, 2004.
Stueck, Rudi. E-mail message, December 8, 2002.
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