End of Collaboration: RTL and Matthijs van Nieuwkerk Part Ways over Inappropriate Behavior Allegations

The Dutch presenter Matthijs van Nieuwkerk has decided to end his collaboration with commercial broadcaster RTL. After discussions, it was decided that the previously announced collaboration would not continue. Van Nieuwkerk and RTL had signed a contract at the end of last year to produce television together for four years. However, following an investigation by the Van Rijn Commission, the collaboration was indefinitely suspended.

The investigation was initiated following an article in the Volkskrant in 2022 regarding inappropriate behavior by Van Nieuwkerk and the work culture at ‘De wereld draait door’. The committee found that over 1,484 employees had experienced inappropriate behavior in the past year, either as a target or witness, which accounted for three out of four respondents. The seriousness of the behavior and the number of people affected shocked the committee. Employees at the Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO) had reported being physically and verbally intimidated.

The collaboration with RTL has now been definitively terminated. Van Nieuwkerk expressed a preference for freedom to the channel. RTL stated that they had no choice but to respect his decision given the circumstances and wished him success for the future. Van Nieuwkerk was slated to host a talk show on Sundays at RTL, and was also in consideration to present a program about the Olympic Games in Paris.