The Press Fund was established in 1974 to provide financial assistance to ailing newspapers or magazines. Although their readership is fairly small, they are relatively influential as they provide commentary on the news. As such, the system is unique. They are responsible for providing a complete range of programs, encompassing information, the arts, education and entertainment. In addition, churches, religious and other organizations, political parties, government agencies and educational broadcasting companies are entitled to air time on the public system.
Public broadcasting is funded from radio and television licenses and radio advertising.
Commercial broadcasting was first introduced in the Netherlands in 1992. Practically all Dutch homes are linked to the cable network which offers a wide range of Dutch and foreign commercial and public viewing. The service broadcasts programs daily in Dutch, English, Spanish, Bahasa Indonesian and Papiamento. The radio programs, which feature news and current affairs, sports reports and weather forecasts, are broadcast on the short and medium wave, on local FM wavelengths, and by satellite. Television programs are sold to foreign broadcasting companies.