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Dutch Regulator Approves DPG Media’s Acquisition of RTL Nederland with Strict Conditions to Protect Media Pluralism

By  |  June 29, 2025

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has given the green light for DPG Media to acquire Dutch media company RTL Nederland, according to a statement from the regulator. However, this approval comes with a comprehensive set of conditions designed to safeguard media diversity and ensure that Dutch news consumers continue to have access to a variety of independent news sources.

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    Per a statement by ACM, the decision reflects the evolving nature of the news landscape, influenced heavily by the rise of social media platforms. The regulator also noted the uncertainty surrounding RTL’s parent company’s strategic direction, suggesting that the current market environment is subject to change.

    Martijn Snoep, Chairman of the Board at ACM, emphasized the importance of a diverse media environment for democracy. “A pluriform news landscape plays a crucial role in our democracy,” Snoep said. He added that, given that DPG and RTL are significant competitors in the Dutch media sector, the acquisition must not reduce media pluralism. According to a statement, ACM’s conditions aim to guarantee that consumers retain the ability to choose from distinct and independent news outlets.

    DPG Media is a key player in the Netherlands, publishing well-known newspapers such as Algemeen Dagblad, de Volkskrant, Trouw, and Het Parool, as well as operating free news websites including NU.nl. RTL Nederland, on the other hand, operates several commercial TV channels and the streaming service Videoland. It also provides free news content through its television stations, website rtl.nl, and the RTL Nieuws app.

    To prevent any negative impact on media diversity, ACM has imposed structural safeguards that will remain indefinitely in place—even if DPG or its assets are sold to another competitor in the future. According to a statement, two independent foundations will be established as co-shareholders of RTL Nieuws and NU.nl. These foundations will hold priority shares granting them veto powers over critical decisions such as the hiring and dismissal of editors-in-chief, modifications to the mission and identity of the news outlets, and decisions regarding the continuation or discontinuation of broadcasts or publications.

    The directors of these foundations will operate independently and are tasked with ensuring the enforcement of the acquisition’s conditions. DPG Media is required to provide adequate funding for the foundations to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

    Source: ACM