VRT NWS Laat to Be Replaced by Compact Late-Night News Bulletin
Flemish public broadcaster VRT has announced that its popular late-night analysis program “VRT NWS Laat” will be discontinued in its current form starting September 2026. The program will be replaced by a compact 15-minute news update, with resources redirected to strengthen the flagship 7 PM Journaal, according to a VRT NWS report by journalist Stef Van Chaze.
A Strategic Shift for Public Broadcasting
The restructuring marks a significant change for Flemish public broadcasting. VRT NWS Laat, introduced in April 2021, was designed as an in-depth analysis program (“duidingsformat”) that went beyond a simple news summary. The program typically ran for approximately 25 minutes on weekday evenings, featuring studio guests for in-depth discussion of current affairs.
Under the new format, the late-night slot will revert to a classic 15-minute news bulletin based on the existing weekend format, effectively bringing back the “VRT NWS Journaal Laat” that the analysis program replaced five years ago.
Strengthening the Flagship
VRT spokesperson Yasmine Van der Borght explained the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the importance of the 7 PM Journaal as the broadcaster’s flagship program.
“In a world that is on fire, we want our VRT NWS Journaal to offer more than just a listing of facts,” Van der Borght said. “Flemings today need guidance, perspective, and depth more than ever. Our VRT NWS Journaal at 7 PM is our flagship: it reaches the largest audience, including the less educated, and that makes it unique.”
According to Van der Borght, the resources freed up by the change will be used to enhance the 7 PM Journaal with more context, explanation, and analysis. As TV-Visie reported, the decision is part of a broader reform within VRT NWS to concentrate resources where they reach the widest audience.
A Five-Year Run
VRT NWS Laat was launched in April 2021, replacing the classic late-night journal on workdays. Its original presenting team included Wim De Vilder, Goedele Wachters, and Xavier Taveirne. Over the years, the lineup evolved: Riadh Bahri joined as presenter in 2022, Aurélie Boffé joined in late 2024, and Goedele Wachters left the team around 2025.
The program distinguished itself from a standard news bulletin by dedicating significant airtime to interviews and analytical segments, often featuring subject-matter experts and policymakers as studio guests. It did not have a dedicated sports segment, though important sports news was included when warranted.
Broader Media Trends
The restructuring reflects broader challenges facing public broadcasters across Europe. Changing viewing habits, with audiences increasingly consuming news on digital platforms and streaming services, have put pressure on traditional television formats. Public broadcasters are also grappling with budget constraints and the need to compete with commercial media and social platforms for audience attention.
According to Wikipedia, the VRT NWS Journaal has a long history dating back to October 31, 1953 — the very first day of television broadcasting in Flanders. The 7 PM edition remains the most-watched news program in Flanders, typically running 35 to 40 minutes.
What Changes for Viewers
For regular viewers of VRT NWS Laat, the most noticeable change will be the loss of the in-depth interview and analysis format. The late-night slot will shift from a 25-minute discussion program to a concise 15-minute news summary. However, the 7 PM Journaal will gain enhanced analytical depth, meaning viewers who tune in earlier will benefit from more comprehensive reporting.
Looking Ahead
The new format is scheduled to take effect in September 2026. Several questions remain unanswered, including the fate of the current presenting team — Riadh Bahri, Wim De Vilder, and Aurélie Boffé — who are expected to shift focus to the main Journaal. It also remains to be seen whether the 15-minute late-night update will have a fixed time slot and how the changes will affect VRT NWS’s digital news offerings.
The decision represents a strategic bet by VRT: that concentrating resources on its highest-reach program will better serve its public service mission than maintaining a dedicated late-night analysis show. In an era of fragmented media consumption, the move underscores the growing importance of flagship news programs as anchor points for audiences seeking trusted information.