Roelof Hemmen: More than a Voice on the Air

Early Life & Career Beginnings

Roelof Hemmen was born in 1963 in Hoeksche Waard, the Netherlands. He began his career in journalism, writing and reporting for newspapers such as Haagsche Courant and De Telegraaf. Over time, he made the transition to television and radio. roelofhemmen.nl+3EWmagazine.nl+3ecp.nl+3

He joined RTL Nieuws in 1993 and worked there in various roles, eventually becoming one of their recognizable news presenters. nu.nl+1

Evolving Roles & Media Presence

After years of being a news anchor, in 2016 he publicly expressed that the television news role had become too restrictive—“a corset,” as he said. He felt routine setting in, reading the same format, lacking enough surprise or challenge. nu.nl+1

To find more creative and fulfilling work, Hemmen shifted toward radio. He began focusing more on programs at BNR Nieuwsradio and hosting shows that allow for deeper conversation. He became a regular presence and voice in current affairs, often providing analysis and background rather than just reporting the headlines. nu.nl

Talk Show & Panel Roles

In 2022, Hemmen took on a regular role in Eva Jinek’s talk show, where he provides factual analysis and commentary. He monitors media trends, interprets data, and helps viewers understand the news more deeply. nu.nl+2ecp.nl+2

He also frequently serves as “dagvoorzitter” (chair or moderator) at events, debates, and conferences—particularly at BeleggersFair (an investment fair) and other public forums. His reputation is for being well prepared, for asking sharp questions, for balancing seriousness with approachability. BeleggersFair+2BeleggersFair+2

Personal Interests & Lifestyle

Hemmen is not just about news and media. He has a large garden at his country‐home in Brabant, which he and his wife Marjon tend to enthusiastically. The garden is designed with nature and biodiversity in mind: wild borders, log piles to attract insects, birds, bats, even deer and badgers occasionally. He sees the garden as a long-term project, a labor of love where patience and observation matter. EWmagazine.nl

He’s said the gardening work—building paths, making fences, arranging logs—is “rough work,” but it keeps him grounded. Also, his wife is more expert in the botanical design; he contributes the effort. EWmagazine.nl

Recent Transitions & Professional Philosophy

Hemmen formally left RTL Nieuws as a news presenter after more than 20 years to create more space in his professional life for radio, event hosting, and other creative media roles. He expressed that he needed to break free from a format that was no longer fulfilling him. nu.nl+2nu.nl+2

He launched a midday radio show (for example, on BNR) where topics are more varied and the format allows for deeper dive—analysis, interviews, sometimes lighter content—but always with his characteristic interest in truth, clarity, and connection. nu.nl

Hemmen also speaks publicly about how digitalization and media trends pose ethical questions—what we can do versus what we should do; how information is consumed; the responsibilities of media figures. ecp.nl

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Interesting Facts & Insights You Might Not Know

• Hemmen once described television news reading as feeling like wearing a “corset”—talking about how formulaic it felt, and how he felt constrained by having to stay inside rigid formats. nu.nl
• Though best known for serious news work, he doesn’t shy away from humor, and colleagues often commend him for warmth and lightness even when the subject is heavy. nu.nl
• Hemmen has served many times as moderator or chairperson (“dagvoorzitter”) at financial events like BeleggersFair. In 2019, 2023, and 2024 he was asked back multiple times because audiences and organizers appreciated the clarity and thoughtfulness he brings. BeleggersFair+1
• He’s keenly aware of the difference between radio and TV: radio gives him more space to breathe and to dig deeper, while TV began to feel repetitive. Switching more into radio and talk show roles is not just a job move—it’s a philosophical choice about what kind of media he wants to create. nu.nl

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Why Roelof Hemmen Matters

Roelof Hemmen represents a shift in modern Dutch media culture: one away from the rigid, perhaps impersonal format of major TV bulletins, toward more engaged, thoughtful, flexible content. He stands out because he’s not just delivering facts; he cares about context, about the human side of news, about creating connection. He’s also part of a trend where media figures are becoming multidimensional—moving between formats, mixing serious topics with personal insights and environmental consciousness.

In a time when media trust is fragile and audiences are fatigued with too much sameness, Hemmen’s willingness to change his own role—leaving a stable, prestigious TV news job to find more meaningful work—is itself a striking example.