Matthijs van Nieuwkerk has chosen SBS 6 for his television comeback, deliberately avoiding a return to the public broadcasting network. “I understand why he made that choice,” comments Jan Slagter, a close friend and fellow broadcaster.
© NPO
Many are surprised that Matthijs van Nieuwkerk opted for SBS 6, a choice that some critics believe does not align with the channel’s audience. Similar to Arjen Lubach’s struggle with RTL 4’s viewer base, questions arise as to why Matthijs didn’t pursue a show with the network of his friend Jan Slagter.
Why SBS 6?
Matthijs plans to create a show about Aretha Franklin on John de Mol’s network, collaborating with Shirma Rouse. Critics wonder if this project would have been better suited to Omroep MAX. “Perhaps, but I understand why he made that move,” Jan Slagter explains on his radio show, The Friday Move.
Jan clarifies that he never pressured Matthijs into joining his station. “My only intention was to check on him when he was down. Our friendship developed from that concern, not from any agenda to get him to make a program with us.”
Lack of Trust in NPO
It’s easy to understand why Matthijs would shy away from public broadcasting. “He has no trust in the NPO, especially with figures like Suzanne Kunzeler still being involved, with whom he has significant conflicts,” Jan adds.
He continues, “Hence, it makes sense for Matthijs to choose SBS and to work with John de Mol and Frans Klein, both of whom he knows from his VARA days.”
Misconceptions
Jan is dismissive of the argument that Matthijs does not resonate with the SBS 6 audience. “That’s all nonsense. Sure, it might not draw two million viewers, but we have remote controls. If you want to see Matthijs, you simply switch to channel 6.”
“That’s all it takes. Just press button 6 and you’re there. I truly wish him well, and I believe it’s a solid step for him to gradually return to a music-oriented program.”
