English-language Media in the Netherlands

A world of information, both local and global - in English. The local and international English language print and broadcast media that is available to you if you live in the Netherlands...

There are many options for those seeking English-speaking radio and television channels, as well as print publications, when living in Holland.

Radio

The BBC World Service can be received on short wave or cable FM. Voice of America is also available on short wave .

Many FM stations are available on the national cable network.

Radio on the Internet: English-language stations online

Many international radio stations are available streamed live on the Internet, typically needing Real Player or Windows Media player.

Television

Throughout the Netherlands English-language television is available via satellite/cable providers.

There are also a number of commercial channels broadcasting nationally. Again, most programmes are in Dutch, although some youth and music programmes have English subtitles or are broadcast in English with Dutch subtitles.

English programmes

In most areas, on the standard cable system, the following English-language stations are available: BBC1, BBC2, BBC World, Discovery Channel, CNN, CNBC and National Geographic.

Among the well-known international channels, such as Discovery and Nickelodeon, it is common to find programmes in English with Dutch subtitles.

Print Publications

Most major publications are available online as well as in print. For a more portable digital version, apps like the Mail Plus App from the UK's Daily Mail Group allow the latest news to be read on a phone or tablet, often for much less than the cost of a subscription.

Newspapers

There are approximately 34 Dutch-language newspapers – some national and some regional. However, there is currently very little in English.

  • The Holland Times is a free, nationally distributed monthly newspaper with news and features relevant to the expat community in the Netherlands.

Magazines

  • Xpat Journal is a magazine published quarterly with articles on careers, Dutch culture, education, living in the Netherlands, tax and legal issues
  • ACCESS Magazine: The online quarterly magazine of Access, a not for profit organisation which assists the international community in the Netherlands. It contains articles about courses and events as well as a community calendar for various English-speaking organisations

Online Media in English in the Netherlands

  • ANP is the national news agency for the Netherlands and supplies much of the material for daily newspapers, radio, television and the Internet. It has its headquarters just outside The Hague and offices throughout the country. The ANP website provides a link to its English-language services in the form of a daily bulletin produced Monday to Friday. This NIS News Bulletin contains a summary of the main national and international stories, aimed principally at foreign business people and diplomats  For more details or to subscribe and receive the bulletin by email, fax or in print: Click here
  • Another English language publication available online is the Dutch News Digest, which provides general and business news updates, plus information on leisure events: Click here
  • DutchNews.nl is also available online and via daily digital newsletters to subscribers, and covers news including business, sport and entertainment

  • Government.nl: Up-to-date news reports in English from the Dutch government about issues affecting the Netherlands
  • NLTimes is the most regularly updated English News website in the country

International online news

International News Links

You can also often read your favourite newspaper online:

UK

Ireland

USA

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

South Africa