The additional cuts at the VRT are no longer open to negotiation Flemish Media Minister Cieltje Van Achter (Flemish nationalist N-VA) says. That means that flandersnews that over 21 years has played its role in putting Flanders on the international map will definitely close at the end of November.
Ms Van Achter was speaking following the trade unions’ announcement that they intended to visit her office, together with VRT management and representatives from the cultural sector, to put the cuts back on the table. The VRT must make additional savings of around 10 million euros in the coming years.
“I believe it is very important that the VRT continues to fulfil its public service remit effectively,” said the minister. “This involves independent journalism, analysis, high-quality programming for young people, Flemish stories, culture and sport. That core remit is essential.”
“Everyone must make tough choices”
The VRT is not among the most expensive public broadcasters in the European Union. The annual cost amounts to 44.58 euros per person in Flanders. Nevertheless, the Flemish Government wants the VRT to make tougher choices. The broadcaster will be required to make further savings in the coming years, on top of previous efforts.
The grant will be reduced by 3.4 million euros next year. That figure will rise to 7 million euros by 2029. On top of this, operating funds will not be index-linked, which, according to the VRT, brings the total additional savings to 10 million euros. These new cuts are in addition to the 16.6 million euros that the VRT was already required to save between 2026 and 2031.
The united trade union front at the VRT, which went on strike on Monday, announced that it intended to approach Van Achter’s office, together with the management and other affected parties in the cultural sector, to renegotiate the announced cuts.
Van Achter, however, emphasises that the figures are set in stone and are no longer open to negotiation. “I understand that the additional cuts are a heavy blow, but the Flemish Government must get the budget in order. You cannot ask the entire Flemish Government to make tough choices and then completely exempt one large public organisation from this.”
She now intends to work with the management and the board of directors to assess the implications for the broadcaster’s operations and how the cuts can be implemented in practice.