Television veteran Henny Huisman has publicly defended entertainer André van Duin following sharp criticism from De Telegraaf media journalist Mark Koster regarding the television show Beestenboel. Huisman delivered a scathing assessment of Koster in De Nieuwe Revue, calling the journalist “sour” and questioning his qualifications to review television productions.
The Clash Over Beestenboel and Critic Qualifications
The public feud ignited after Koster published a critical review of Van Duin’s program Beestenboel in De Telegraaf. Koster argued that while Van Duin holds iconic status and previously delivered groundbreaking work like De Dik Voormekaar Show, the new program is a “lazy, old-fashioned, and dated hodgepodge” that fails to meet high standards. According to Koster, broadcasting executive Jan Slagter should have stepped in, stating the program is at least forty minutes too long.
Huisman swiftly came to his longtime friend’s defense in De Nieuwe Revue. Huisman praised Van Duin’s immense versatility as a singer, actor, and television maker, describing him as a deeply kind person. Directing his frustration at the reviewer, Huisman stated: “If you shout something like that, you should have achieved something yourself. And that is where my irritation toward Mark Koster lies. I simply despise that man. Who is he to write this?” Huisman added that Koster relies on assumptions rather than an understanding of how Hilversum operates, while also noting past friction between the two.
Did you know? Mark Koster acknowledged his admiration for André van Duin’s historical radio work, specifically praising De Dik Voormekaar Show as a “fantastic radio program on a global scale,” before arguing that this exact legacy makes the shortcomings of Beestenboel more pronounced.
Escalating Personal Attacks and Media Criticism
The disagreement quickly escalated beyond a simple review debate into personal attacks between the media figures. Koster defended his stance as a necessary journalistic duty, asserting that an icon’s work cannot escape scrutiny simply because everyone finds the creator likeable. “As a journalist, you are there from time to time to establish that the emperor has no clothes,” Koster explained.
At the same time, Koster dismissed Huisman’s defense as an opportunistic attempt to gain attention. Koster labeled Huisman a “total has-been” who struggles with a lack of spotlight and acts hypocritically by playing along behind the scenes while seeking favor with Van Duin. According to additional reporting from Show.nl, the clash highlights deep-seated tensions within the Dutch entertainment press, where veteran performers and media commentators frequently lock horns over the boundaries of television critique and personal loyalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Henny Huisman criticize Mark Koster?
Henny Huisman reacted angrily after Mark Koster published a harsh review of André van Duin’s television show Beestenboel in De Telegraaf, citing past conflicts and accusing the journalist of lacking industry knowledge.
What was Mark Koster’s critique of Beestenboel?
Mark Koster argued that the program is outdated, lazy, and far too long, stating that Van Duin’s historical success does not excuse a weak modern production.
What did Mark Koster say in response to Henny Huisman?
Mark Koster defended his journalistic right to critique television shows and claimed that Huisman’s intervention was merely an attempt to secure attention and stay close to Van Duin.
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