The Flemish government is imposing new budget cuts on the public broadcaster VRT, starting with a 3.3 million euro reduction in 2027 and rising to 9 million euros annually by 2029, De Standaard reported. These cuts come as VRT is already managing a 16 million euro reduction under its current management agreement and a previous 25 million euro savings plan that concluded in 2025.
VRT unions announce October 12 strike
Labor unions at VRT responded to the budget news by announcing a strike for October 12. The broadcaster’s workforce has already fallen below 2,000 people for the first time following previous rounds of layoffs and the outsourcing of the production of the series Thuis.
Nieuwsblad reports that employees describe a “funeral mood” in the hallways of the Reyerslaan headquarters. Staff expressed frustration that the sense of stability following the last round of layoffs has vanished, as it remains unclear how the new cuts will be distributed across different departments.
Did you know? VRT is facing a total cumulative saving requirement of 26.6 million euros over nearly three years when combining the new government mandate with the existing 16.6 million euro target set for 2031, according to Nieuwsblad.
Minister Cieltje Van Achter targets exclusivity contracts
She specifically targeted exclusivity contracts for on-screen talent, arguing that taxpayers should not pay to prevent presenters from appearing on commercial channels like VTM or Play.
Van Achter cited Tom Waes as an example, stating that while paying for his talent is acceptable, paying to keep him off other networks is not. Nieuwsblad reports that the elimination of these contracts—which have involved figures such as Philippe Geubels, Fien Germijns, Gloria Monserez, and Peter Van de Veire—is viewed by some within VRT as a “trophy” the minister specifically wanted to achieve.
Minister urges VRT to review expensive sports rights
The Minister is calling for VRT to be more critical regarding expensive sports rights. She suggested that for events like Formula 1 or men’s football, VRT can look into this together with the market or stop doing it altogether.
Potential paid VRT Max subscription
To offset revenue losses from “cable cutters” and the flight of advertising income to foreign platforms, Van Achter is permitting the investigation of a paid version of VRT Max.
Differing views on budget impact
There is a discrepancy between government and union interpretations of the financial burden. Bruzz reports that unions claim the Flemish government intends to “destroy” the VRT. Van Achter dismissed this, claiming that figures are being manipulated and noting that VRT received an additional 20 million euros at the start of the current legislature, with a total of 55 million euros added over the management agreement.
Van Achter also told Bruzz that she chose to largely spare Brussels-based institutions, such as Muntpunt and the Huis van het Nederlands, in this budget exercise, citing the significant challenges facing the Flemish Community in the capital.
Common Questions About VRT Budget Cuts
When do the new budget cuts begin?
The new reductions start in 2027 with a 3.3 million euro cut, increasing to 9 million euros per year by 2029, according to De Standaard.
Which specific programs are considered “core tasks”?
How will the VRT Max paid model differ from a paywall?
The Minister suggested exploring a paid model that would not involve placing original VRT productions behind a paywall, as reported by De Standaard.
Minister Van Achter noted she will be unable to watch the October 12 strike as she will be in Kazakhstan replacing the Minister-President.
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