In a shocking turn of events, the VRT leadership will not be appearing for a hearing in the Flemish Parliament due to the absence of majority party N-VA and opposition party Vlaams Belang during an extra session of the Media Committee. This has resulted in no quorum and no vote being taken on the request for a hearing.
On Thursday, there was controversy surrounding a new TV series being produced by VRT called ‘Knappe heads’, which critics within VRT claim was pushed through in a brutal manner with political interference. Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle denied any political interference in VRT programs.
This incident is just one of many in recent weeks and months, including the cancellation of a documentary series about Bart De Pauw. Opposition parties Groen and Vooruit have been pushing for the VRT leadership, especially CEO Frederik Delaplace, to provide explanations in the Flemish Parliament. However, the ruling party N-VA has been blocking these attempts.
The lack of accountability from N-VA has sparked debate about the role of parliament in overseeing the VRT. The opposition parties expressed disappointment with this turn of events and called for greater transparency and oversight at the national broadcaster.