RNW Media is an NGO based in the Netherlands that specializes in production of media content focused on youth. It operates as an online media platform.


Media assets

Online: RNW Media

State Media Matrix Typology: Independent Public (IP)


Ownership and governance

Between 1947 and 2012, RNW Media used to operate as an international public radio broadcaster under the name Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW).

In 2013, RNW was transformed into RNW Media, an NGO focused on freedom of expression with operations in 13 countries  across Africa, Middle East and North Africa and Asia.

The Supervisory Board of RNW Media is the outlet’s highest governing authority that, among other things, appoints the CEO of the organization.

The Board’s members are appointed through an open call for application upon selection by an independent, privately owned consultancy specialized in Human Resources and recruitment.

In recruiting the board, the HR consultancy gives priority to young candidates from diverse and multiethnic communities, according to local experts/journalists.

Source of funding and budget

RNW Media is funded through a state subsidy and income from grants (mostly from private foundations and donor organizations). In 2020, RNW Media operated with a budget of €13.6m, 58% of which came from a subsidy awarded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the outlet’s annual report. The following year, the company had a budget of €6.4m, the state funding representing less than 40% of that. In 2022, RNW Media had a total budget of €9.3m, €6.2m of which came from a grant awarded by the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs, according to a company annual report.

Editorial independence

There are no provisions imposed by the government on the editorial policy of RNW Media. All editorial decisions are made by the outlet’s team in a collaborative manner, which ensures its editorial independence.

RNW Media has a few internal instruments that ensure editorial independence, respect for ethical norms and transparency, including a code of conduct and a whistleblowing policy.

RNW Media is organized in such a way that the decision-making process is an inclusive process and that governance decisions are made by a Supervisory Board representative of the Dutch communities.

September 2023