Regional broadcaster Regio Centraal says it faces a deficit of €50,000 and will have to reduce its editorial staff and consider ending its radio broadcasts. Editor-in-chief Richard van der Veen said the cuts would lead to fewer news stories. The broadcaster has received less funding than expected for several years, partly because it did not receive support from the Journalism Fund and cooperation with local broadcasters in Bergen, Uitgeest, Castricum and Heiloo did not materialize.

Alkmaar’s municipal council recently approved more than €27,000 in additional support. Dijk en Waard’s council rejected a proposed contribution of more than €22,000 to help close the gap before 2026. Alderman Floris de Boer said the municipality’s existing annual contribution of €118,000 should be sufficient for a functioning broadcaster. Regio Centraal says the additional funding is therefore unavailable and that further cuts are necessary.