The Flemish Association of Journalists (VVJ) has expressed its concern about the growing media concentration in Flanders. The reaction follows the decision by the Mediahuis to place Het Nieuwsblad/De Gentenaar and Gazet van Antwerpen under the same editor-in-chief. 

Liesbeth Van Impe will oversee the strategic direction of both newspapers, while retaining her current editorial role at Het Nieuwsblad. Mediahuis describes the move as a step towards “unified editorial leadership and increased cooperation” between the titles. 

However, the VVJ warns that this kind of integration could lead to a reduction in editorial diversity. “Who says integration, says impoverishment,” said VVJ secretary general Charlotte Michils, noting that the lack of separate editors-in-chief could threaten the unique identity of each title.

Steady increase

Media concentration in Flanders has increased steadily. According to the Flemish Media Authority (VRM), five groups – VRT, DPG Media, Mediahuis, Roularta and Play Media – dominate both traditional and digital media. The VRM’s 2024 report highlights significant horizontal, vertical and cross-media consolidation, raising concerns about the impact on media pluralism.

The Flemish publishers DPG Media and Mediahuis posted net profits of 228 million euro and 117 million euro respectively in 2021.

Flemish media groups such as DPG Media and Mediahuis have also expanded internationally, particularly into the Dutch newspaper market, further increasing their influence in the region.

Flanders is far from alone in grappling with media concentration. Across Europe, debates about the risks of concentrated media ownership are intensifying, especially as trust in journalism is challenged by political polarisation, economic pressures and the growing power of digital platforms.