Theo Verbruggen (former NOS reporter) about the increase in threats and aggressive statements against journalists: “My own roots turned against me”

Monday, November 2 is the International Day against Unpunished Violence against Journalists. This day comes at a time when journalists are increasingly the target of intimidation, threats and aggression. A situation that leads to a climate of fear in many countries. For example, the NOS recently decided to remove its logos from its own satellite and beam vehicles for TV and radio to protect reporters. Where does this development come from? How is the work of journalists affected by this? And how can journalists deal with this? We spoke about this with former NOS reporter Royal House and domestic Theo Verbruggen.

The number of journalists facing threats is increasing (think NOS). What are your personal experiences with this?

''What I have noticed as a NOS reporter, where I have often sat in a car with a logo, is that you have seen threats increase enormously in the last 5 to 6 years. Some people say that threats against journalists have started since the murder of Pim Fortuyn. I also think that a seed was planted then. But the rise of commercial media has also played a role in this. More and more journalists came to events. This was sometimes experienced as exaggerated or as 'raising bad blood'. As a result, we noticed that our special position as NOS was increasingly disappearing. We started by moving the satellite car further away or avoiding certain neighborhoods. Some demonstrations were very much aimed at NOS. Then it was decided to send security guards with reporters. I thought this was somewhat exaggerated at first, but at certain times, such as during football matches or demonstrations, I found it pleasant. Removing stickers as is now the case is the first time. The car has already provoked reactions for some time."

What do you think explains this increasing (verbal) violence against journalists?

''I think several elements play a role here. It could be that politicians are no longer so fond of the traditional media. By expressing this, citizens may be influenced. However, I think social media also plays a big role in this. Nowadays everyone can express their opinion on this. If, as a journalist, you do not express this opinion, you are automatically opposed and people think they have the right to express this to you. At NOS we do not express opinions, that also creates bad blood. Official bodies are also increasingly distrusted and less tolerated in society. As a result, people are daring to take increasingly bolder and harder action against this.”

''I am a Brabant farmer's son myself. In my reporting life I have always reported on farming things. The last time Farmers Defense Force came to the provincial government building, they no longer wanted anything from the NOS. While I always had the idea that I knew farm life well from home, but now I experienced that I was on the other side. I was seen as an enemy. My own roots turned against me, that was a very strange sensation."

On October 27, the House of Representatives asked Minister Grapperhaus (Justice & Security) to do more for journalists, after recent incidents and the step by news organization NOS to remove logos from vans. Grapperhaus responds that he has no recent signals that the current policy for the media is not working sufficiently. What is your opinion about this?

''We can conclude that journalists have definitely come under more pressure. The climate has not become more favorable in recent years. Last week a colleague of mine, who is often present in the Binnenhof, was verbally abused. These are situations where the camera is often still on. Such situations often occur outside of cameras."

''The NOS moment of the satellite cars has now become a kind of momentum. People wonder: “Is this seriously necessary?” The seriousness has become clear. But I think it is good that NOS has made this decision, so NOS employees can continue to do their work safely. Some people say that this has a capitulating effect, but I see it more practically: safety for yourself is safety for good work."

In 2017, the report 'A threatening climate' was written on behalf of the Dutch Association of Journalists. Journalists and reporters indicated that they had become more reluctant to release news and sometimes consciously adjusted reporting. Did you also see this happening around you? Do you recognize yourself in this? 

''You think twice when you are in a situation where you are threatened or when your reporting is distrusted. With some statements you ask yourself twice whether it is necessary to use them or not. In that sense it does influence your work. You automatically become more careful. I wouldn't say I've given up on it, but I've often thought about it three times or qualified texts. In short, I can imagine that journalists or reporters have adjusted their use of words somewhat due to the feeling of threat."

What would you like to say to current journalists?

''Fear is always a bad counselor; don't let it scare you. If there is dissatisfaction within society, you have to localize it carefully: where does this come from and what does it say? You should think about whether or not this should change and mean something in your report. If you are very afraid, it is difficult to think about this properly."

''It is also wise to discuss such situations with your colleagues and camera crew. Ask your crew: how far do you want to go? Indicate where you draw the line and respect each other, even if as a journalist you want to go for that one quote, if your cameraman wants to go less far, accept this.

Do you think there is a role for us as communications advisor?  

“The most important thing is that you are aware of what is happening and that you can provide a safe haven for journalists and reporters. For example, during the farmers' protests, communications staff in the province of Brabant offered us safe spaces where we could work. That is very pleasant.”