🇳🇱 NRC Handelsblad

About NRC Handelsblad

NRC Handelsblad, now known as NRC, was formed in 1970 through the merger of two older liberal newspapers, Algemeen Handelsblad and Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant. Since 2015, it has been owned by the Belgian media company Mediahuis, a privately held family business that also owns other newspapers in the Netherlands and Belgium. The Lux et Libertas Foundation holds a priority stake in Mediahuis NRC BV to safeguard its journalistic independence.

NRC is widely regarded as a newspaper of record in the Netherlands and is rated as 'High' for factual reporting by Media Bias/Fact Check and Ground News. It is generally considered to have a center-left or liberal editorial lean, often publishing factual information that may use loaded language to favor liberal causes. The outlet reports with balance, critiquing both center-right and far-right political parties, while showing a favorable tone towards the left-wing labor party. NRC is known for its in-depth reporting and intellectual approach, though some critics suggest it can be slow to cover breaking news and may focus on elite perspectives. The Netherlands consistently ranks highly in press freedom indices from Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House, reflecting a strong media environment, although concerns exist regarding threats against journalists and potential vulnerabilities to legal and surveillance practices. NRC's commitment to journalistic integrity was recently demonst