HUMAN

What HUMAN does

HUMAN is a Dutch public broadcaster (publieke omroep) founded in 1989 and headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands. The organization produces and commissions editorial content centered on a humanistic editorial perspective, with a programming mix that includes documentaries, talk shows, and knowledge programming. Its content is distributed through the NPO public broadcasting platform suite, specifically NPO Start (on-demand), NPO Radio 1, NPO 2, and NPO 3, anchoring it within the Dutch public broadcasting system that reaches the national free-to-air audience. HUMAN maintains a direct audience relationship via a newsletter reaching 70,000+ subscribers, signaling a non-trivial owned digital channel.

HUMAN's operational model is that of a non-profit broadcaster operating under the Dutch Mediawet (Media Act), which governs the allocation of public broadcasting funding among accredited omroepen. In addition to core structural government funding, the organization supplements its revenue through a "Vrienden" (Friends) membership at €20 per year and individual donations. Project-level co-financing is sourced from Dutch production-support mechanisms including Distributiefonds, CoBO, and NPO-fonds. The organization is sub-scale in headcount (51-100 employees) and operates a lean editorial core that relies on formal partnerships with production companies and peer omroepen for content delivery.

HUMAN's competitive structure is built on a portfolio of partnerships that extend its content-making capacity without expanding fixed headcount. Key partners include VPRO (joint production of the Argos investigative journalism program), De Familie Film & TV (television production), Deep Focus Webdocs (digital documentary format), NPO Kennis (knowledge content), and Humanistisch Verbond (mission alignment with the Dutch humanist association). The organization also runs the 3LAB talent development initiative, which functions as a pipeline for new editorial talent entering the Dutch public broadcasting system. The "Radicaal menselijk" (Radically human) brand positioning has been the unifying editorial identity since inception.

Name

HUMAN

Legal name

HUMAN

Website

https://human.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HUMAN is a Dutch public broadcaster founded in 1989, producing documentaries, talk shows, and humanistic content distributed through NPO platforms and funded primarily by Dutch government public broadcasting grants supplemented by member contributions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting

NAICS

Broadcasting and Content Providers (516), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Audio Publishing & Private Podcast Platforms (MPAIADAI)

Keywords

• Public broadcasting
• Documentary production
• Investigative journalism
• Humanistic media
• Educational content

Headquarters

HQ city

Hilversum

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Broadcasting Funding: As a Dutch public broadcaster (publieke omroep), HUMAN receives government funding through the Mediawet (Media Act) framework. This includes mandatory membership counting required by law.
2. Membership/Friends Program: HUMAN generates revenue through its 'Vrienden van HUMAN' (Friends of HUMAN) membership program at €20 per year. Members receive benefits including the digital newsletter, invitations to recordings, discounts on events, and the HUMAN Magazine for those who opt for postal delivery.
3. Donations: Individual donations and periodic gifts (periodieke schenking) are accepted. Donors can combine donations with a friendship/membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HUMAN is a Dutch public broadcaster (publieke omroep) that produces and distributes humanistic media content including documentaries, television programs, radio shows, podcasts, and educational materials. The organization's content focuses on social issues, philosophy, human rights, migration, healthcare, and investigative journalism, and is distributed through NPO's national broadcasting infrastructure (NPO Start, NPO Radio 1, NPO 2, NPO 3) and its own digital channels.

Product overview

HUMAN is a Dutch public broadcaster (publieke omroep) operating as a non-commercial media organization focused on humanistic values. The organization produces a diverse portfolio of documentaries, television programs, radio shows, and podcasts that explore philosophical, social, and societal themes. The core offerings include long-form documentaries covering migration, healthcare, human rights, and social issues; investigative journalism through the Argos platform (co-produced with VPRO); and television programs like Goliath, Medialogica, Roosen & Borst (dementia care), and Kanaal Sociaal. Supporting products include 3LAB (talent development for emerging filmmakers), educational materials for schools, the Grote Geesten series (historical thinkers), Het Filosofisch Kwintet (philosophical discussions), and De Publieke Tribune (weekly radio program). HUMAN also offers podcasts, a digital newsletter, and a membership/friends program for supporter engagement and funding. The organization distributes content through NPO Start, NPO Radio 1, and various social platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Argos: Research journalism platform from VPRO and HUMAN, covering investigative journalism on TV, radio and in podcast series for over 30 years.
• 3LAB
• De Publieke Tribune

Products and services

• Documentaires (Documentaries) Documentary series covering social issues, human rights, migration, healthcare, and societal challenges, ranging from short 2Doc Kort formats to full-length feature documentaries. Distributed to general audiences through NPO broadcast channels.
• Programma's (TV Programs) Television programs addressing philosophical, social, and humanistic themes. Notable programs include Goliath (investigative journalism), Medialogica (media criticism), Roosen & Borst (dementia care), Kanaal Sociaal (social issues), AI love, and Over Leven.
• Podcasts Podcast versions of HUMAN's programs including De Publieke Tribune, Wat Blijft, Argos, and themed podcasts covering philosophy, social issues, and human stories. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast apps.
• Argos Investigative journalism platform co-produced by VPRO and HUMAN, producing in-depth investigative reporting on topics including F-35, digital security, fossil fuel lobbying, and societal issues. Available on TV, radio, and as podcast series.
• 3LAB Talent development program within NPO 3 that supports emerging filmmakers and content creators whose plans connect to the experience of young generations. Provides funding, mentorship, and distribution via HUMAN and NPO 3 online channels. Features short films, documentaries, and series from emerging talent.
• Educatie (Education) Educational content offering documentaries and programs with accompanying teaching materials, lesson plans, and presentations for schools, covering topics from the Humanistic Canon and philosophical thinkers.
• Grote Geesten Program showcasing influential thinkers throughout history, produced in collaboration with NPO Kennis and the Humanistisch Verbond. Available as TV lectures, YouTube content, and podcast episodes.
• Het Filosofisch Kwintet Philosophy discussion program where presenter Arnon Grunberg explores current topics with four guests, emphasizing listening and understanding over debate.
• De Publieke Tribune Weekly radio program on NPO Radio 1 presented by Coen Verbraak, featuring in-depth conversations focused on experiences rather than opinions. Broadcasts every Saturday at 15:00.
• HUMAN Nieuwsbrief (Newsletter) Digital newsletter providing exclusive previews and inspiring viewing, reading, and listening tips. With over 70,000 subscribers.
• Vrienden van HUMAN (Friends/Membership) Friends/membership program priced at €20 per year to support HUMAN's programming. Members receive benefits including invitations to recordings, event discounts, the digital newsletter, and the HUMAN Magazine for those who opt for postal delivery.

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration22 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VPROcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUMAN co-produces investigative journalism program 'Argos' with VPRO. Argos is a flagship investigative journalism platform covering topics including F-35, digital security, fossil fuel lobbying, and other in-depth investigations. The partnership represents a significant collaboration in Dutch public broadcasting investigative journalism.
• De Familie Film & TVcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producer of documentary series 'Thuis op Zuid' (Thuis Op Zuid). De Familie Film & TV collaborated with HUMAN on this documentary series about dementia care in Rotterdam.
• Deep Focus WebdocscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUMAN co-produces the '2Doc Kort' (2Doc Short) series with Deep Focus Webdocs for NPO 2, NPO 2 Extra, and NPO Start. This series produces short current affairs documentaries.
• NPO KenniscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUMAN collaborates with NPO Kennis on 'Grote Geesten' (Great Minds), making content from the Humanistic Canon of the Humanistisch Verbond accessible through NPO Kennis platforms.
• Humanistisch Verbond (Humanist Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUMAN works with the Humanistisch Verbond on content including 'Grote Geesten' and philosophy programs. The partnership extends to educational initiatives like 'Grote Geesten op school' and 'Thuis op Zuid on Tour' events.
• Alzheimer NederlandminorOthersAlzheimer Nederland supported the 'Thuis op Zuid' documentary series about dementia care, providing funding that made the program possible.
• NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep)coreTechnology or IntegrationHUMAN operates as part of the Dutch public broadcasting system coordinated by NPO. NPO provides technical infrastructure including streaming (NPO Start), broadcasting channels (NPO Radio 1, NPO 2, NPO 3), web analytics tools (NPO GoVolte), and tag management for internet reach research (DDMM).
• PostNLminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPostal delivery partner for physical mail including HUMAN Magazine sent to members who opt for postal delivery.
• HomerunminorOthersRecruitment platform used by HUMAN for job applications and hiring procedures.
• Same SameminorOthersPrinting and distribution services for HUMAN Magazine and other printed materials.
• ZalsmanminorOthersPre-postal services for HUMAN Magazine distribution.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• BBC: UK public service broadcaster producing long-form documentaries, investigative journalism, podcasts, and educational content under a publicly mandated remit. Comparable as a much larger public broadcaster operating under a similar non-commercial editorial mission.
• Al Jazeera: International public-service broadcaster with strong documentary and investigative-journalism output. Comparable to HUMAN in its humanistic, social-issue editorial orientation and non-commercial public-mission framing.
• ARD: Consortium of German public broadcasters producing documentaries, cultural programming, and investigative content under public funding. Comparable as a larger European public broadcaster with a similar values-driven editorial remit.
• Vice Media: Global documentary-style media company focused on social issues, human stories, and investigative journalism. Comparable to HUMAN in editorial focus on humanistic, society-driven content, though operating under a commercial rather than public-broadcaster model.

Direct peers

• AVROTROS: One of the largest Dutch public broadcasters within NPO, producing broad-spectrum TV, radio, and investigative programming. Comparable in regulatory status (erkende publieke omroep) and reliance on Mediawet funding.
• BNNVARA: Dutch public broadcaster under NPO producing TV, radio, and online content with a social/socially engaged editorial stance. Directly comparable as a fellow omroep competing for member-driven funding and NPO airtime.
• EO (Evangelische Omroep): Dutch public broadcaster under NPO producing values-driven documentaries, dramas, and human-interest content. Comparable as a fellow niche, ideologically anchored publieke omroep competing within the same Mediawet framework.
• VPRO: Co-production partner of HUMAN on the Argos investigative-journalism platform and fellow Dutch public broadcaster under NPO. Operates the same hybrid model of long-form documentaries, TV programs, and podcasts aimed at thoughtful adult audiences.
• NTR: Dutch public broadcaster under NPO focused on cultural, educational, and minority-interest programming. Comparable to HUMAN in niche but publicly funded broadcaster profile and NPO infrastructure dependence.
• KRO-NCRV: Dutch public broadcaster under NPO producing socially engaged documentaries, dramas, and human-interest programs. Directly comparable to HUMAN in member-funded public broadcasting model and values-driven editorial positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5C5t2qP7TrBb0aWJXKdS5g
• Facebookfacebook.com/omroephuman
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/omroep-human
• Instagraminstagram.com/omroephuman
• Xx.com/omroephuman

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HUMAN