In recent weeks and months, the VRT has faced several controversies that have called into question its independence as a public broadcaster. On Friday, the Media Committee in the Flemish Parliament held an extra session to discuss these issues, but the majority party N-VA and opposition party Vlaams Belang were absent. This resulted in no quorum and no vote could be taken on a request for a hearing with VRT leadership.
The incident involving the new TV series ‘Knappe heads’ was particularly contentious, with critics within the VRT feeling that it had been pushed through in a forceful manner and crossed a line. Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle responded by saying there is no indication of political interference in VRT programs. However, this was not enough to satisfy those who were calling for greater transparency and accountability from the VRT leadership.
In addition to ‘Knappe heads’, recent issues at the VRT have included calls for explanations from CEO Frederik Delaplace over controversies such as the cancellation of a documentary series about Bart De Pauw. Despite attempts to summon top management at the VRT, key parties such as N-VA and Vlaams Belang did not show up for meetings with parliament’s control function. This has left many disappointed, including Commission chairman Meyrem Almaci who called it “a mockery” after witnessing several problematic issues at the broadcaster.
Vooruit MP Katia Segers has questioned N-VA’s motives in stopping hearings with top management at the VRT and boycotting parliament’s oversight role. There is strong demand among opposition parties for CEO Delaplace to provide explanations in parliament about these recent controversies at
