| NVJ | |
| Formation: | 1884 |
| Headquarters: | Amsterdam |
| Location Country: | Netherlands |
| Membership: | 7904 |
| Leader Title: | Chair |
| Leader Name: | Folkert Jensma |
| Affiliations: | International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) |
| Website: | https://www.nvj.nl/ |
The Dutch Association of Journalists (Dutch: Nederlandse Vereniging van Journalisten, NVJ) is a national trade union for journalists, part of the Federation of Dutch Trade Unions.[1] Anyone who fits the description of journalist in the broadest sense of the term can be a member. This includes reporters, investigative journalists, photographers, editors and producers. Both those who work full-time or part-time in any of these capacities are members.[2] The association publishes the Villamedia Magazine, focused on journalism news.[3]
The aims of the association are to defend the freedom of the press against governmental and other threats, as well as to defend and improve the work conditions of journalists. The association also strives to defend and maintain journalistic integrity and ethics. It provides legal aid to its members, gives out press cards, and takes part in conflict-resolution between journalists and their employers, and engages in strike action.[4] [5]
As of November 2023 the chair of the NVJ is Folkert Jensma, former editor-in-chief of the NRC, who was elected with 95% of the vote. Rowan Blijd was elected vice-chair.[6]
In 1884 the Dutch Journalist Circle (Dutch: Nederlandse Journalisten Kring, NJK) was founded by A.G.C. van Duyl senior, then editor in chief of the Algemeen Dagblad. The NJK's aim was to increase solidarity among journalists and serve as a platform for them to discuss and advance their interests.[7]
In 1898 prominent journalist, theologian and future Prime Minister Abraham Kuyper became chair of the NJK, greatly raising its reputation and influence. [8]
Due to the pillarization of the Netherlands at the time, Catholics and Protestants set up their own alternative journalistic associations in the years after the NJK's founding.[9] However, the NJK remained the largest and most influential, with the Catholic association having 14 publications as its members in 1902 as opposed to the 250 members of the NJK.
In 1949 the various journalistic associations decided to cooperate in the Federation of Dutch Journalists (FNJ), which in 1968, with the erosion of pillarization, combined to form the NVJ.