Licence to start a commercial broadcasting station

Do you want to start a commercial broadcasting station in the Netherlands? You need a licence or registration from the Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media, CvdM). You also have to obtain a licence from the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure (Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur) or reach an agreement with a cable operator.

Applying for a licence or registration

Do you want to broadcast in the Netherlands? You need to register with or apply to the Dutch Media Authority (CvdM, in Dutch) for a licence. You apply for a licence if you want to start a commercial broadcasting service. You register if you want to start a commercial on-demand service. Only non-public service media providers that fall under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands can apply.

Your licence or registration is valid for 5 years. If you want to renew your permit, you should apply for renewal 5 months before it expires.

Applying for a frequency band

If you have a licence from or registration with the CvdM, you can apply to the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure for a frequency band (in Dutch) using DigiD or eHerkenning. Or you can reach an agreement with a cable operator for the use of a frequency band.

Supervision of commercial broadcasters

The CvdM supervises if you follow the rules for commercial media from the Dutch Media Act 2008. Form this you need to pay supervisory costs (in Dutch). The amount depends on:

• the nature of your service (radio or television)
• your potential reach
• your market share
• your geographical coverage
• the duration of your broadcasts

You must submit the requested data to the CvdM annually.

Ending your licence or registration

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