Permission to start a commercial broadcasting station

Do you want to start a commercial broadcasting station in the Netherlands? You need permission from the Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media, CvdM). You will also have to obtain a licence from the Radiocommunications Agency (Agentschap Telecom) or conclude an agreement with a cable operator.

Applying for permission

You apply for permission to start a commercial broadcasting station to the Dutch Media Authority (CvdM). This permission is valid for a period of five years. You or your company should fall under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands. National, regional, or local media organisations are not allowed to apply for this permission.

If you want to renew your permit, you should apply for renewal 5 months before the permit expires.

If you want to end your activities, you must notify the CvdM immediately. You cannot transfer your permit. If control of your company changes, the permit remains in the name of the original applicant.

Applying for a frequency band

If you have a permit from the CvdM, you can apply to the Radiocommunications Agency for a frequency band (in Dutch). Alternatively you can reach an agreement with a cable operator for the use of a frequency band.