The Dutch broadcaster TROS, responsible for the Nationaal Songfestival, has serious intentions to leave the NPB (Netherlands Public Broadcaster) to become a (semi-)commercial channel. A TROS spokesperson confirmed this news some moments ago. This year, the broadcaster celebrated its 40th anniversary.

In the Netherlands, the public broadcasting system is different from the one in other countries. More than 20 public broadcasters are united as NPB. Broadcasters get broadcasting hours on one of the three public channels, based on the amount of members they have. NOS, responsible for news, sports and the Eurovision Song Contest is an exception. They have a fixed number of broadcasting hours and no members, as they serve the whole community instead of just one particular group.

Since 2003, the NOS licensed broadcaster TROS (the biggest public broadcaster in the Netherlands, regarding amount of members) to take care of the national Eurovision Song Contest selection Nationaal Songfestival.

It was a public secret that TROS already thought about going commercial, but now things become more and more serious. TROS asked the Flemish commercial broadcaster VTM, who they already produce several programmes with, for assistance. VTM is Flanders' first and most successful commercial channel, founded in 1989.

TROS is currently developing several financial models and formats. One of the plans is leave the NPB. Another one is using one of the three channels for themselves but the TROS will need permission of the Dutch governement.

In case TROS becomes a commercial broadcaster, it's unlikely that they will continue to produce the Nationaal Songfestival, as this is a public broadcaster's issue. They also might loose their full EBU member status. What's going to happen with the Dutch national selection in case TROS goes commercial, is yet unknown.