March 23, 2025
How VRT brings societal issues to the forefront
In Happily divorced, presenter Steven Van Herreweghe humorously takes the lead in exploring 'love after love.' Two ex-partners compete against each other in the hope of winning a trip. The game determines who gets to go on vacation with the kids: team mom with her new partner, or team dad with his new partner. This initially seems like a light-hearted game show, but it also provides a perspective on a societal issue that is often avoided: the complex process of divorce and its impact on families. With programmes like this, VRT not only creates space for entertainment but also for societal issues. In numerous VRT programmes such as Taboo and High tides, systematic attention is given to themes that concern many people but are often avoided. These programmes do more than just inform: they create a conversation, encourage empathy, and help break the taboo.
The power of vulnerability
A beautiful example is Taboo. The third season again offers a unique combination of humor and sensitive subjects. Presenter Philippe Geubels explores themes that are often considered taboo, such as suicide, refugees, menopause, and dementia, with his guests. In each episode, the personal stories of the participants are highlighted, while Philippe goes on vacation with them and uses humor to facilitate the otherwise difficult conversations.
Fiction reflecting reality
But even in our drama offerings, we pay attention to societal issues. In the drama series Thuis ("home"), the character of a 'drunk' Kaat has been stirring emotions for a while.
"A storyline that initially seems innocent and at times even comical, but there is more to it. We present this storyline in an accessible and perhaps even recognizable way for some people, precisely to create awareness around alcohol addiction and its sometimes invisible consequences on oneself and one's environment. Gradually, it becomes clear how problematic Kaat's drinking is, and she sinks deeper with embarrassing scenes as a result. Thuis would not be Thuis if there wasn't a positive message at the end: we convey to the viewer that there is a way out and that help is available." - Spokesperson Ira Stevaert
An approach also appreciated by VAD/De Druglijn ('drugs helpline'):
"It always takes some patience for the viewer to see how a storyline unfolds, and regarding Kaat's, VRT has handled this well. Viewers may not have initially thought much about it, but gradually they will indeed ask themselves - isn't it problematic that Kaat drinks so much. This helps VRT respond to the growing critical attitude towards alcohol. Without being preachy." - Tom Evenepoel, coordinator at De Druglijn
For Thuis, we keep track of what is going on in Flanders. We do this by regularly engaging in conversations with various actors in society: among others with De Druglijn, but also with primary care providers, academics, and experts by experience. They tell us about the issues and topics they encounter daily and how they deal with them. We incorporate this into our storylines and communication. By presenting the stories in an accessible way in the form of quality fiction, we create awareness and impact among more than one million viewers daily." - Spokesperson Ira Stevaert
A mirror of society
"As a public broadcaster, VRT should be a mirror of our society. That means that we should also address themes in our offerings that are present in our society. Such themes include not only the pleasant but also the less pleasant sides of life. These topics deserve attention because they touch on the core of what many people experience daily." - Ruud Hendrickx, Advisor for Programme Ethics and Business Integrity at VRT
By broadly discussing various societal issues as a public broadcaster, VRT enables the public to understand, process, and think about them. VRT thus takes on a unique position in society. It provides a platform for those who do not always feel heard and initiates important conversations. This is precisely why it is essential that VRT makes such programmes.
