TMF Nederland
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music television |
| Founded | May 1, 1995 in Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Founder | Lex Harding, Herman Braakman, Ewart van der Horst, Arcade Records |
| Defunct | September 1, 2011 |
| Fate | Ceased operations; brand discontinued |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam , Netherlands |
Area served | Netherlands (original), also Belgium, United Kingdom, Australia (expansion) |
Key people | Erik de Zwart (founder and presenter) |
| Products | Music television channel and related digital channels (TMF Dance, TMF NL, TMF Pure, TMF Live) |
| Owner | Viacom International Media Networks (from 2002) |
| Parent | Viacom International Media Networks |
TMF (The Music Factory) was a Dutch music television channel broadcasting around the clock, managed by Viacom International Media Networks within the Netherlands. It debuted on 1 May 1995 with its main office located in Amsterdam. TMF served as a direct competitor to MTV Europe and was originally identified as TMF6 and later TMF9. The channel discontinued operations on 1 September 2011.
History
The inception of TMF was credited to Lex Harding, producer Herman Braakman, director Ewart van der Horst, alongside multimedia firm Arcade Records. As the first Dutch music-focused broadcaster, TMF initially had a limited coverage area but rapidly expanded its reach. Early on-air personalities included Sylvana Simons, Bridget Maasland, and Erik de Zwart, with subsequent presenters such as Tooske Breugem and Miljuschka Witzenhausen joining later. The inaugural video clip aired was Brian May’s "Too Much Love Will Kill You".
Originally named TMF6, the channel shared its broadcast hours with TV10 Gold, offering eight hours of programming daily before moving to a full 24-hour schedule. Facing competition for channel allocation from SBS6 and Veronica, TMF changed its name to TMF9 towards the end of 1995. After MTV Netherlands acquired TMF in 2002, the "9" was dropped from the branding, briefly reinstated in 2005 to counter Discovery Channel’s market entry, and then removed again after a brand overhaul.
During its formative years, TMF outperformed MTV Netherlands in viewer ratings. This success prompted expansion into Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Australia; however, only the Belgian branch remained operational until it closed in 2015. Post-acquisition by MTV Networks in 2002, TMF shifted focus towards interactive SMS-driven content with fewer VJs, relocating many programs to MTV Netherlands. Some shows returned to TMF between 2003 and 2004 as part of an effort to appeal more strongly to younger viewers.
With the rise of digital television, TMF launched several specialized channels: TMF Dance (dedicated to electronic music), TMF NL (featuring Dutch artists), TMF Pure (centered on R'n'B and urban styles), and TMF Live (showcasing live performances). In 2007, TMF underwent a significant programming revamp along with a website redesign, eliminating SMS-based games and refreshing its visual identity. Former VJs such as Fabienne de Vries made guest appearances for special broadcasts.
After 2008, TMF experienced a notable decline in audience numbers. Between January and April 2011, its airtime was reduced to daily broadcasts from 06:00 to 15:00, with Comedy Central occupying the remaining hours. On 4 April 2011, Kindernet replaced TMF’s cable slot. Subsequently, TMF continued solely as an online channel until it ceased all operations permanently on 1 September 2011.
From 1996 through to 2011, TMF hosted the annual TMF Awards, which concluded following the channel’s shutdown and were succeeded by the Dutch MTV Awards. The awards also ended in Belgium after 2011. The closure of TMF mirrored wider industry trends favoring a broader array of digital music channels.
Closure
On 4 November 2010, Viacom International Media Networks revealed that starting from 1 January 2011, TMF would limit its broadcast hours to between 06:00 and 15:00 each day. On 4 April of that year, TMF was supplanted by Kindernet, and the brand officially ended when TMF.nl terminated online streaming on 1 September 2011. The channel’s VJs transitioned to MTV Nederland, while all associated digital channels ceased transmission on 31 December 2011.
Relaunch
On 30 April 2020, Erik de Zwart revealed intentions to bring TMF back as a digital platform, with the goal of reintroducing the former music channel in an online format.
VJs through the years
Among the initial TMF hosts were Sylvana Simons, Bridget Maasland, Isabelle Brinkman, Fabienne de Vries, Ruud de Wild, Michael Pilarczyk, Wessel van Diepen, and Erik de Zwart. In 1997, the original female VJs collaborated to form the moderately successful group The Magnificent Four. Later presenters included Tooske Breugem, Daphne Bunskoek, Mental Theo, Jeroen Post, Sonja Silva, and Renée Vervoorn. By 2002, a significant number of VJs and their shows transitioned to MTV, leaving only Jeroen Post and Renée Vervoorn at TMF; Renée eventually departed as well. The lineup was later enhanced by the return of Mental Theo, alongside additions like MTV's Sylvie Meis and former TMF host Jeroen Nieuwenhuize. In 2004, a "Vote the VJ" contest at the TMF Awards led to the election of Renate Verbaan as a new presenter. Following Sylvie Meis's exit, Miljuschka Witzenhausen joined the team. After Jeroen Post and Mental Theo left in 2005, Valerio Zeno became part of the roster. In 2006, Renate Verbaan exited and was succeeded by Nikkie Plessen. Starting June 2007, the presenter group expanded with Saar, Soumia, and Damien, ending the previously minimalistic hosting style. Miljuschka departed late in 2007 and was replaced by Sascha Visser in January 2008. In March 2010, Saar Koningsberger announced her departure due to changes in labor laws; her final broadcast took place in April. On 1 December 2010, Sascha Visser also left TMF.
VJs 1995-2011
- Bridget Maasland (1995–2000)
- Erik de Zwart (1995–2002)
- VJ at MTV until 2003
- Fabienne de Vries (1995–2000)
- Isabelle Brinkman (1995–1998)
- Michael Pilarczyk (1995–1996)
- Ruud de Wild (1995–1998)
- Sylvana Simons (1995–1999)
- Wessel van Diepen (1995–1998)
- Jeroen Post (1996–2005)
- Tooske Ragas (1998–2002)
- VJ at MTV until 2002
- Daphne Bunskoek (1998–2002)
- VJ at MTV until 2002
- Jeroen Nieuwenhuize (1998–2002, 2003–2007)
- Served as MTV VJ between 2002 and 2003
- Murth Mossel (1999-2000)
- Mental Theo (1999–2002, 2003–2005)
- Worked as MTV VJ between 2002 and 2003
- Sonja Silva (1999–2001)
- Renee Vervoorn (2000–2003)
- Johnny de Mol (2001–2002)
- VJ at MTV until 2003
- Seth Kamphuijs (2001–2002)
- Continued as MTV VJ until 2005
- Kristina Bozilovic (2001–2002)
- MTV VJ until 2003
- Virtuele Sita (2002-2003)
- Sylvie Meis (2003–2004)
- MTV VJ during 2002-2003
- Renate Verbaan (2004–2006)
- Miljuschka Witzenhausen (2005–2007)
- Valerio Zeno (2005–2008)
- Nikkie Plessen (2006–2008)
- Damien Hope (2007–2008)
- Soumia Abalhaja (2007–2008)
- Saar Koningsberger (2007–2010)
- Sascha Visser (2008–2010)
- Amir Charles (2008–2011) (currently on MTV)
- Veronica van Hoogdalem (2008–2011)
- Willem "Willy" de Bruin (2009–2011) (currently on MTV)
- Tess Milne (2010–2011) (currently on MTV)
(Former) TMF Shows
Showcased well-known DJs from the late 1990s music scene.
A widely viewed afternoon magazine program hosted by Fabienne de Vries, blending music videos with audience participation via fax. Broadcasted daily between 17:00 and 19:00.
Succeeded Toute Fabienne, with Tooske Ragas as presenter.
Aired following Totally Tooske, presented by Daphne Bunskoek.
An interactive late-night show where viewers chose music videos through a voice telephone voting system, similar to the method used by "The Box." It aired around 1999 during early morning hours on select days.
- Weekend Special
A weekly feature spotlighting a particular artist or band, often including lengthy concert footage. Broadcast Sundays from 20:00 to 22:00.
Dedicated exclusively to music productions originating from the Netherlands.
A countdown of top ten classic hits initially hosted by Bridget Maasland, later broadcast without a presenter.
A hard rock and heavy metal program hosted by Ruud de Wild from 1995 until 1998. It concluded following viewer feedback regarding limited diversity; editorial responsibilities were subsequently assumed by Frank Helmink of Buma Cultuur.
- SonjaSilva.com
Followed D-Day, with hosting duties by Sonja Silva.
A daily top five video countdown compiled through live viewer voting via calls and fax, originally hosted by various VJs during the 19:00 to 20:00 slot. Later incorporated into MTV programming and revived on TMF Belgium using Twitter voting.
Presented the thirty most requested videos, first hosted by Fabienne de Vries and later by Tooske Breugem.
A weekly hardcore techno and gabber show featuring music clips and rave footage supplied by major event organizers such as ID&T.
Weekly showcase of new international music videos, which led to the popular Hitzone compilation CD series.
Featured the Dutch singles chart, initially hosted by Erik de Zwart and later by Jeroen Nieuwenhuize.
Hip-hop oriented show hosted by Glaze and René between 1996 and 1998, highlighting prominent national and international rappers. Murth Mossel took over hosting from 1999 to 2000.
A live after-school program that initially thrived under hosts Jeroen Post and Renée Vervoorn; it saw a decline after host changes and loss of the live format, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
An interactive show with Sylvie Meis visiting popular youth hangouts throughout the Netherlands.
TMF’s inaugural talent contest launched in partnership with Mentos in 2005; featured multiple elimination rounds culminating in a Netherlands versus Belgium final won by Dutch comedian Judith. Hosted by Miljuschka Witzenhausen.
Daily program where VJ Valerio Zeno stayed overnight at locations offered by viewers while entertaining them in return. Ran for two seasons in 2006.
Live after-school show addressing youth-relevant issues such as drug use and alcohol consumption, incorporating interactive voting and webcam participation. Presented by Saar Koningsberger, Damien Hope, Nikkie Plessen, and Sascha Visser.
Gaming-themed program launched in May 1998 featuring voice-over commentary from Jeroen Nieuwenhuize or Tooske Breugem; rebranded as Gamefacts following the TMF-MTV merger in May 2002.
Current TMF gaming show covering new releases and industry events, hosted by Skate the Great alongside other journalists.
Presented by Miljuschka Witzenhausen, this series chronicled festival tours across the Netherlands including events such as Pinkpop and Paaspop concerts.
Weekly interactive jumpstyle dance program encouraging viewers to submit their own jump videos.
Live broadcasts from nightclubs where viewers influenced the playlist through SMS and premium-rate numbers.
Thursday program dedicated to scooter culture trends, hosted by Valerio Zeno and Nikkie Plessen.
A late-night live show featuring rotating themes and hosts; similar in format to Re:Action but with a broader focus; eventually discontinued.
Follow-up to "Wakker Worden met Valerio," featuring two VJs visiting seaside resorts. Hosted in 2007 and 2008 by Saar Koningsberger and Damien Hope competing at different locations.
Weekly chart program combining sales data, airplay statistics, and free download figures since March of its respective years.
Documentary-style series where Valerio Zeno immersed himself in various subcultures, adopting their styles for a day.
- Genre-specific shows including:
- TMF Pure – Contemporary R&B videos presented by Damien Hope.
- TMF Rock top 10 – Latest rock video countdown.
- TMF NL – Showcasing recent releases from Dutch artists with host Soumia.
- TMF Dance – Electronic dance music hits hosted by Saar Koningsberger.
- TMF In De Mix – Weekly video mix show featuring DJ/VJ Stephanie Cassandra’s tour footage; later evolved into TMF On Tour.
- Viewer-interactive programs:
- Your chart – Audience-selected videos influencing the Saturday superchart.
- Op de bank met Sascha – Contest offering a chance to win a date with VJ Sascha.
- Kamerdansen.nl – Webcam-based dance competition hosted by Nikkie Plessen.
- Wakker Worden met Sascha – Morning wake-up show broadcast from unique locations.
- Paperboygang – Timed challenges for newspaper deliverers Cosmo, Pux, and Laurens.
- Kijk Dit Nou! – Daily live after-school talk show covering trending topics with viewer voting; ended December 2010.
- Wat te doen voor je Poen – Weekly job trial series initially hosted by Saar Koningsbergen, later taken over by Sascha Visser.
- Het leukste dorp van Nederland – Competition among ten villages vying for the title "Most Fun Village," hosted by Saar Koningsbergen and Willem "Willy" de Bruin.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Obsolete music video networks
- Music television broadcasters
- Defunct Dutch television channels
- 1995 Dutch establishments
- Television stations launched in 1995
- Television stations closed in 2011
- Music industry organizations in the Netherlands
- Dutch companies closed in 2011
- Dutch companies disestablished in 2011