RNW Media
We Renew Media
RNW Media is an international media development organisation based in Haarlem, the Netherlands, dedicated to harness the power of independent digital media to uphold human rights and advance the public good.
Working in more than 40 countries across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, West and East Africa, East Asia, Central and South America, we defend media and internet freedom, the right of every human being to access to information and freedom of expression.
With over 75 years of experience, RNW Media has evolved from an international radio broadcaster into a champion of independent digital media. Our work with our partners has demonstrated how a diverse, resilient, and trustworthy digital media ecosystem can inform people, shift narratives, influence social norms, and drive policy change, reinforcing the essential role of independent media in open and democratic societies.
RNTC, the internationally renowned training center of RNW Media, provides journalism and media training to journalists, media makers, and communication professionals.
Through The Vine, RNW Media’s global community, with more than 25 independent and public interest digital media, 80 media trainers, and 10,000 RNTC alumni, we facilitate media coalition, partnership and movement building.
History
We are proud of our 75 years of legacy in the media sector, over 50 years as a training center, and more than 10 years of building innovative solutions with and for independent digital media.
Founded in 1947, Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) began as the Dutch international public broadcaster, dedicated to fostering the free flow of information. In 1968, the Radio Netherlands Training Centre (RNTC) was established to provide professional capacity building for journalists and media makers.
In 2012, RNW transitioned fully into a digital media organization called RNW Media. By 2021, 85% of media brands and outlets we established had become independent, self-sustained locally registered organizations until today.
Since 2021, RNW Media has solidified its role as an international media development organization.
By 2024, RNW Media and its network of media partners had reached over 500 million people annually, predominantly young audiences. Among those who engaged with the digital content 89.6% reported improved knowledge or changed attitudes and 58.3% reported significant changes in their behavior. Together with our advocacy partners, we successfully enabled tech platforms such as META to change their content advertising and moderation policies.
Mission
We support independent digital media to champion human rights and advance the public good
Public interest media prioritize the public good, delivering accurate and diverse content that addresses societal needs, amplifies marginalized voices, and promotes civic engagement. They challenge misinformation, drive transparency, and encourage informed public discourse, acting as a bulwark for democracy and social cohesion. Independent media focus on safeguarding editorial freedom, operating without undue influence from governments, corporations, or other powerful entities. These outlets ensure their reporting remains balanced, accurate, and rooted in journalistic integrity,
empowering citizens with credible information to make informed decisions.
The focus of RNW Media is on strengthening digital media outlets and civic-owned media brands (though digital news outlets are not excluded) to embody both public interest and independent media values, merging their societal mission with an unwavering commitment to editorial independence. These digital media organizations can play a critical role in ensuring communities
Vision
Open societies powered by digital media
Digital media is a cornerstone of an open society; it enables the free flow of information, amplifies diverse voices, and fosters democratic participation. By breaking down geographic and social barriers, digital media provides platforms for individuals to access accurate and diverse information, express their views and engage in public discourse. It empowers marginalized communities by offering a space to share their stories and perspectives, ensuring inclusivity and representation. Furthermore, digital media enhances transparency and accountability by exposing corruption, holding institutions to scrutiny, and allowing real-time feedback on
decisions that impact society. It also strengthens civil society and grassroots movements by offering accessible tools for organizing, mobilizing, and advocating for change. Through its capacity to connect people, amplify truth, and challenge power, digital media serves as a driving force for pluralism, democracy, and human rights, making it indispensable to the realization of an open society which is ultimately defined by its commitment to liberty, equality, and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals can thrive and contribute to the public good.
Our Values
Curious:
We thrive on exploration and the pursuit of questions. Our eagerness to learn propels us down new paths and into fresh opportunities.
Adaptative:
Remaining open to new insights is part of our DNA. We evolve our behaviors, habits, and approaches to meet changing circumstances.
Fresh:
Situated at the crossroads of digital media, international development, and human rights, our creative spirit drives us to continuously innovate, rethink, and refine for unique solutions.
Synergetic:
We believe that progress is made together. The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.
Inclusive:
We contribute to a world where diverse perspectives and voices are valued. Inclusivity defines not only our goals but also how we work—with each other and with partners.