NRC Handelsblad was first published on 1 October 1970 after a merger of the Amsterdam newspaper Algemeen Handelsblad (founded 1828 by J.W. van den Biesen) and the Rotterdam Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant (founded 1844 by Henricus Nijgh).[4] The paper's motto is Lux et Libertas – Light (referring to the Age of Enlightenment) and Freedom.
Editor Folkert Jensma [nl] was succeeded on 12 December 2006, by Birgit Donker [de].[5] After a dispute with the new owners, Donker had to step down on 26 April 2010[6] and was replaced by Belgian Peter Vandermeersch [nl].[7] In 2019, he was succeeded by René Moerland.[8]
On 7 March 2011, the paper changed its format from broadsheet to tabloid. The circulation of NRC Handelsblad in 2014 was 188,500 copies, putting it in 4th place among the national dailies.[9]
In 2015 the NRC Media group was acquired by the Belgian company Mediahuis.
In 2022, when it stopped producing evening editions, the paper shortened its official name to NRC, by which it had already been known colloquially.
Between 2006 and 2021 Mediahuis also published nrc•next, a morning tabloid aimed at young people.
Character
While they consider themselves one of the Dutch national "quality" newspapers next to
de Volkskrant and Trouw, NRC Handelsblad sees itself as the most internationally oriented of those three, and has been labeled left-liberal.[citation needed]. The newspaper is popular among voters of the Democrats 66.
The Algemeen Handelsblad was an influential Amsterdam-based liberal daily newspaper published between 1828 and 1970. It was founded in 1828[4] by J.W. van den Biesen, a stockbroker.[10] The paper aimed at providing news about trade, share holding and banking.[10] Later its coverage was expanded to cover political news.[10]
The Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant was an influential Rotterdam-based liberal daily newspaper published between 1844 and 1970. It was founded in 1844 by Henricus Nijgh.[4] The paper merged in 1970 with the Algemeen Handelsblad to form the NRC Handelsblad.[4]
^NRC Handelsblad 12 December 2006 page 21 Tegenwicht aan Trivialisering: Birgit Donker benoemd tot hoofdredacteur van NRC Handelsblad "Birgit Donker is de nieuwe hoofdredacteur van NRC Handelsblad, nrc.next en nrc.nl. De raad van bestuur van PCM heeft haar vandaag benoemd. Rotterdam, 12 December Birgit Donker (41) is de opvolger van Folkert Jensma als hoofdredacteur van NRC Handelsblad."
