Commercial radio started (on cable only) in the Netherlands in 1988. By then public radio (5 national networks and 13 regional stations) had a total market share of 96% of the audience. This changed drastically after 1994/1995 when commercial radio also got terrestrial frequencies. Nowadays (national) commercial radio has 50% marketshare, national public radio 30% and regional public radio 14%.

In 1995, the main commercial stations joined forces in the NVCR (Nederlandse Vereniging van Commerciele Radio). This association has the objective of promoting the mutual interests of the members. This implies negotiations with collecting societies, lobbying to government officials and promoting radio as an effective advertising medium.

The members of the NVCR are:

• Radio Veronica
• Radio 538
• Sky Radio
• Q-music
• 100% NL
• SLAM!FM
• BNR Nieuwsradio

CHAIRMAN: Mr. Jan-Willem Brüggenwirth

SECRETARY-GENERAL: Mr. Ian Rooker

PERCENTAGE OF THE AUDIENCE: 50% of the total radio audience

INCOME FROM ADVERTISING: 260 million Euro