Radio Netherlands Worldwide is surprised at leaked plans in the Democrats D66 manifesto to get rid of the Netherlands' international public broadcasting station.

The party believes the work of Radio Netherlands should be continued by the NOS public broadcasting station. D66 thinks programmes made for the domestic audience should be distributed internationally, instead of funding programmes made by Radio Netherlands. According to the plan this would save 45 million euros every year.

The liberal political party also proposes reducing the number of public broadcasting stations in the Netherlands from its current number 24 to just 10. In addition it suggests disbanding three television and radio station orchestras.

Rik Rensen, editor-in-chief at Radio Netherlands, says the party hasn't based its proposals on the facts. He calls the plans remarkable as on its website the party states the importance of “stimulating a multifaceted press” and supports “a strong public broadcasting system”. Radio Netherlands is an important part of that system.

"This is exactly one of the main reasons for our existence. We produce independent news in ten languages, enabling people throughout the world to form their own opinion. In the Netherlands this seems self-evident, but in many countries this is unfortunately not the case."

Joris Backer, who chairs the D66 manifesto committee writes that the international radio station does not need to fear for its existence as it would be impractical to make such huge cuts in the Dutch broadcasting system.

He says the party's final plans will be announced on 16 April when the manifesto is put to delegates at the party conference.

Nevertheless, Mr Rensen accepts that cuts will be made in the Dutch media and cultural sector. "The management has indicated that if cuts have to be made in public broadcasting, Radio Netherlands is prepared to make sacrifices. Then we'll make cuts, but at the same time, we'll cherish more than 60 years of experience, our thousands of partner stations and millions of listeners and internet visitors."

Up to now only Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) had expressed a desire to get rid of Radio Netherlands and make drastic cuts in the public broadcasting system.