According to the sources of advertisement Huisjes, who founded the broadcaster in 2009, is guilty of, among other things, bullying, intimidation and pregnancy discrimination. Many former employees have suffered mental problems as a result of their time at the broadcaster, including programmes In 1 And Good morning Netherlands Make.
Some sources told her story anonymously, but several broadcasters spoke to the newspaper by name. For example, Jenek, who started working at the broadcaster in 2011, says the working atmosphere under Huisges was the reason she did not work there for long. “Unfortunately, I know these stories,” she says. “I hope that something will change now for all the young people who work there who should not end up in situations like this.”
“The workload was enormous and there was a culture of fear. Because the editor/director wore all the hats, there was no place to share your story or your concerns,” explains Ter Braak, who worked there from 2012 to 2017.
Discussing with Huisjes could get you penalized, says Nikki Hare, who worked at the WNL between 2017 and 2022. “People who opposed Huisjes sometimes disappeared again after a few months. Their contracts were not extended, or they left themselves. I have seen the greatest men become small because of Huisjes’ behavior,” says the announcer.
Meryl Westrick, who presented for radio between 2011 and 2014, also experienced working conditions as unsafe at the hands of the Huisjes. “He can be kind, praising you to the heavens, and then shortly afterwards question your attitude. Sometimes I compare it to a dog hitting you three times and then kicking you. Everything becomes unpredictable and unsafe.”
Huisjes promises action, but doesn’t say sorry
Many presenters indicate that during their pregnancy they remained unsure about their contract and whether they would still have a job after their leave. Huisjes is also said to have advised returning presenters to lose weight if they wanted to appear on screen again.
Many (former) employees are calling for Huisjes to leave. It is said that he promised to improve several times, and nothing changed after that. In his dual role as director, the editor-in-chief will have significant power and will want to exert influence at all levels. Huisjes promises to answer him advertisement It takes measures to improve. He wants to talk to employees who feel they have been treated unfairly.
However, he makes no apologies for his behavior. “The editor-in-chief’s job is to monitor editorial direction,” he says. “Sometimes this leads to heated topical discussions.” “The fact that he was sometimes so firm, as mentioned, however humane, says everything about ambitions and commitment. In the past it was more so than now. Appearing too firm is rarely a good thing, and I agree with that.”
Signs of an unhealthy work culture at WNL also surfaced in Van Rijn’s report on abuses within the nonprofit. In one survey, 29 percent of employees gave the work atmosphere a score of 5 or lower. Up to 94% said they had experienced bullying behavior in the workplace.
“Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Freelance organizer. Avid analyst. Friendly troublemaker. Bacon junkie.”