VRT has announced a significant reshuffle in its News editorial team, impacting the core structure of its news service. On 2025-05-06 19:58:00, VRT revealed that Stijn Verhaaren will take over as head editor for foreign news, while Luc van Bakel steps in as head editor for investigation and fact-checking. This move is part of a broader reorganization aimed at streamlining the newsroom.
- Stijn Verhaaren wordt hoofdredacteur buitenland.
- Luc van Bakel leidt onderzoek & check.
- Nieuwe hoofdredacteuren krijgen specifieke domeinen.
- Hershchikking vereenvoudigt complexe overlegstructuur.
- Nieuwe structuur start op 19 mei.
- Griet De Craen is interim algemeen hoofdredacteur.
The reshuffle also confirms Elke Jacobs focusing on program distribution across platforms, Dimitri Verbrugge overseeing personnel matters, and Steven Samyn managing domestic news. Sports coverage remains under Thomas Swannet. This new structure is set to take effect from Monday, 19 May, with rotating leadership of editorial briefings among the three main news editors. What does this mean for the future of Belgian news reporting? How will these changes affect newsroom dynamics?
Is this restructuring enough to address the challenges VRT faces? The internal evaluation highlighted complex communication and high workload issues. The new setup aims to:
- Ensure a more flexible news service adaptable to media changes
- Allow smoother career progression and better employee welfare
- Reduce distance between newsroom staff and top editors
- Strengthen oversight with dedicated editors for foreign news and fact-checking
Looking ahead, VRT’s newsroom changes signal a commitment to innovation and staff support. Belgian viewers can expect more responsive and well-managed news coverage. Will other media outlets follow suit to tackle similar challenges?
