General director Gerard Timmer has decided to quit NOS. Below is his statement:
The stories about personal experiences of undesirable behavior among public broadcaster employees that have emerged over the past period have also hit me hard. Experiences that one should not have had. This should have been done differently, especially with today’s knowledge and insights.
Because of my past at BNNVARA, and now the NOS, I am part of the discussion that has arisen as a result. I understand that, just like I understand that people ask questions about that.
Without wishing to elaborate further on the nature, tone and tenor of today’s article in de Volkskrant, and what I do and do not recognize about statements made, the article infringes on the credibility necessary to lead the necessary changes that the public broadcaster and NOS face.
Even though I know what I stand for, the discussion about my past should not get in the way of the process towards those changes. This applies to the steps to be taken, and in particular to the people who want and need to be able to take the next step. In addition, a discussion surrounding my person should not stand in the way of NOS employees and NOS as a public news organization.
As much as I feel responsible for this beautiful and meaningful organization and in particular for the cultural change we are working on, this is why I have decided to step down as general director of NOS.
Gerard Timmer