Veronica seeks to contribute to the development of a vital and sustainable media landscape. Based on our history, we strive for the connection of entrepreneurs and pioneers who want to conquer, strengthen and renew the media. We want to support entrepreneurs with guts and vision. We want to help expedite their efforts in tackling the crises in the media.
Veronica initiates and/or invests in innovative models, people and instruments that build on a vigorous media sector and contribute to a free, flourishing and diverse society.
Yoeri Albrecht — chairman
Veronica got its start in 1960 as Radio Veronica, an off-shore radio that operated from the North Sea and provided the Netherlands with the pop music that everyone was crazy about. The legality of Radio Veronica was strongly disputed, but the station was able to escape government intervention by anchoring the ship beyond Dutch waters.
On 31 August 1974, Radio Veronica ceased to be an off-shore broadcaster. It took a while, but, on 28 December 1975, the Veronica Broadcast Organisation (VOO) made its very first radio broadcast as a public broadcaster. Not on Hilversum 1, 2, or 3, but on Hilversum 4! This fourth radio frequency began broadcasting on this day and was intended for… classical music.
On 21 April 1976, Veronica also began its adventure on television. After its first evening on television, the VOO welcomed 20,000 new members. Soon after the first television broadcasts, the VOO requested C status.
In 1985, the VOO acquired A status and could broadcast to the maximum on radio and television. Veronica celebrated this with a radio and television marathon. Finally, the membership total grew to 1,250,000 in 1992!
At last, Veronica was on television and radio 24/7. The commercial Veronica started not one but three radio stations: Hitradio Veronica, Veronica News Radio (VNR) and the alternative music station Kink FM.
Due to disagreements with its partner RTL, the Veronica Association, which had the name Veronica and the broadcast magazine Veronica Magazine, left HMG in 2000. RTL retained all the formats and stations and renamed the station Yorin. The Veronica Association embarked on a new adventure independently.
In September 2003, the Veronica Association joined forces with SBS for television and print and with SKY for radio. The Association itself focussed on talent-scouting and digital developments.
The first project to scout talent was called ‘The Veronica Radio School’. Together with Sky and SBS, Veronica searched for radio talent. In 2008, this grew into the V-Academy, where young talent went in search of cross-medial formats. In 2008, the Association, under the new name V-Ventures, went in search of a meaningful role in the media.
Through its collaborations and through social projects such as The European Press Prize, The Veronica Association provides an independent foundation and, where possible and useful, seeks out collaborations with other parties, both public and private.
De Vereniging Veronica
is co-owner of:
Good and independent journalism is a basic condition for an open society, just as investigative journalism is essential for a flourishing democracy. Courageous journalists keep the desire for freedom alive. Careful and open-minded journalism connects people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Central to good journalism is: stimulating public debate, explaining complicated issues through investigative journalism and, if necessary, holding established organisations and institutions accountable.
The European Press Prize is the centre of the European arena of quality journalism and creates a platform for journalists in all European countries where sharp analyses and commentary, the continuous quest for truth and the remuneration, education and protection of journalists are central.
For more information, visit europeanpressprize.com
In 1973, the Veronica Association was set up as a necessary means to enter the public system after the pirate years. Veronica soon became one of the biggest broadcasting groups. After its departure from the public system, the Association has played a innovative role in news and information provision.
Visiting address
Vereniging Veronica
Kleine Gartmanplantsoen 10
1017 RR Amsterdam
