How Dutch TV time is allocated

The procedure for determining how much air time organizations are to receive is laid out in the Broadcasting Act of 1967. Each year, broadcast time is divided between the organizations by the Minister of Culture, Recreation, and Welfare according to a ratio of 5 to 3 to 1 for A, B, and C groups, respectively.

There is an exception to the rule, however. C groups are guaranteed a minimum of 2 1/2 hours a week, irrespective of the amount of time that would fall to them under the ratio provision.

At present, A groups are receiving nine hours and six minutes a week of TV time; B groups get five hours and 30 minutes a week; and C groups have their minimum of 2 1/2 hours weekly.

Because NOS is a government organization, it has no members, and does not receive time under the ratio system. Instead, the Broadcasting Act grants it a minimum of fifteen hours a week and a maximum of 40 percent of total TV broadcast time.