VARA (broadcaster)

Infobox Network
network_name = Omroepvereniging VARA
network_
country = NLD
network_type = public broadcaster
available = NLD and parts of BEL
owner = membership association
past_names = Vereeniging van Arbeiders Radio Amateurs
founded = 1925
website = [http://omroep.vara.nl/ omroep.vara.nl] The Omroepvereniging VARA (VARA Broadcasting Association) is a public broadcasting organization in the Netherlands, founded in 1925 as the "Vereeniging van Arbeiders Radio Amateurs"Note that the word "vereeniging" is old-fashioned Dutch spelling; today, it is written as "vereniging".] (Association of Worker Radio Amateurs). The name was changed to "Omroepvereniging VARA" in 1957 and is no longer an acronym.

VARA's original focus was on labour and socialism, and in the era of Dutch pillarization the association had close links to the Social Democratic Workers Party and its follow-up organization, the Labour Party. For many years VARA's chairmen were prominent members of the party, such as Marcel van Dam and Andre Kloos. In more recent times the connection between the two organizations has loosened although there remain many affinities, including a largely shared support base.

Programming

Former and present VARA television programmes include:
* "Kassa"
* "Kinderen geen Bezwaar"
* "Kinderen voor Kinderen"
* "Oppassen!!!"
* "Unit 13"
* talk shows hosted by Sonja Barend
* shows presented by Paul de Leeuw
* "Alfred J. Kwak" (cartoon series)

Notes

External links

* [http://omroep.vara.nl/ VARA website]