Dutch Association of Journalists

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The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) is the Netherlands’ national trade union for journalists. It welcomes anyone who works as a journalist in the broad sense—reporters, investigators, photographers, editors and producers, whether full‑time or part‑time. The NVJ has about 7,904 members and is part of the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions. It publishes the Villamedia Magazine and works to defend press freedom, improve working conditions, and uphold journalistic integrity and ethics. It also provides legal aid, issues press cards, helps resolve disputes between journalists and employers, and may take part in strikes.

Leadership and location
As of November 2023, the chair is Folkert Jensma, former editor‑in‑chief of NRC, elected with about 95% of the vote. The vice‑chair is Rowan Blijd. The NVJ is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is affiliated with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).

History in brief
- 1884: The Dutch Journalist Circle (NJK) is founded by A.G.C. van Duyl senior to unite journalists and advance their interests.
- 1898: Abraham Kuyper, a prominent journalist and future prime minister, becomes chair and raises the group’s influence.
- Pillarization era: Catholics and Protestants form their own journalist groups, but the NJK remains the largest with far more members.
- 1949: Various journalist associations agree to cooperate as the Federation of Dutch Journalists (FNJ).
- 1968: With the decline of pillarization, the FNJ members merge to form the NVJ.

Recent activity
- 2022: The NVJ and other press freedom groups began a case at the European Court of Justice against bans on Russian state media RT and Sputnik, arguing that banning media channels is dangerous for democracy even if their content is propaganda.
- 30 November 2023: The NVJ joined a warning strike over negotiations for a new wage deal; major Dutch outlets supported the action.
- 18 December 2023: An agreement was reached with employers DGP Media and Mediahuis. The deal included a 9.4% wage raise starting January 2024 and an additional 2% in 2025.
- June 2024: It was revealed that Dutch intelligence agencies had recruited journalists as agents domestically and abroad, which the NVJ criticized. The CTIVD committee also criticized the practice for not adequately weighing risks.

Affiliations and scope
The NVJ is a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, and it is also connected to the EFJ and the IFJ, working with other organizations to defend journalists and free speech worldwide.