Sacrificed to sport: Kunststof disappears from Radio 1

It's unbelievable, but it's happening anyway. NPO, once created to include the sound of smaller audiences, is dropping Kunststof. The programme that we always listen to here during dishes, dinner, trip to show to keep abreast of the world of art, is dropping for sports. Read it... 

Read the staggering press release here. 

Press statement: NPO deletes Kunststof (NTR) from NPO Radio 1

The makers of Kunststof have noted with great disappointment NPO's decision to discontinue the programme Kunststof from 1 January 2026. Over the past 24 years, Kunststof has become a fixture for lovers of art and culture, winning the Zilveren Reissmicrofoon and De Tegel. For many creators and listeners, the programme is an anchor on the station (Mon to Thu from 19.00 to 20.00 at NTR on NPO Radio 1).

Thomas Bruning, secretary of the Dutch Association of Journalists, commented: 'It would be a short-sighted decision to remove Kunststof, a journalistic institute, from the channel. In times when content choices have to be made, NPO should stick to its public and journalistic mission. Opt for programmes that are distinctive. Kunststof is a striking example of this.'

There are obviously good reasons to revamp programming on NPO Radio 1. In recent months, all broadcasters were given the chance to sign up for a new programme on arts, culture, media and sports between 7pm and 9pm, which is what NPO has in mind in the eve. The editors tinkered hard with a different formula, in which, if requested by the broadcaster, sports would also have a permanent place: Studio Kunststof. This would preserve the long, daily interview for NPO Radio 1. This plan did not get a place at NPO.

There is talk of a possible continuation of Kunststof in the form of a podcast. This offers the prospect of continuity, but at the same time raises questions about the impact on visibility, frequency and content quality, especially in the event of a drastic reduction in the available budget.

Bruning: 'The quality and added value of this kind of programme is founded on a strong editorial team. If this were to be decimated, you take the soul out of it. So turn it into a podcast - which, again, would be a bad decision - let it become a full-fledged variant. Even that, however, pales to what Kunststof has been for years.'