photographer: megan jane simons © | make-up artist: nicky ruisch from art of colors
rtl nieuws
for years, gender representation is one of the priorities within rtl nederland. as one of the biggest media-organisations of our country, we are convinced that it is our responsibility to represent women in all functions and showcase our female role models for their unique talents and drive: to our colleagues as well as to the broader public. we take this responsibility very seriously and are making good progress, but we can always improve. both on screen and behind the scenes. we see it as a privilige to affirm girls and women how crucial their place is in society and in our company.
ilse openneer
hoofdredacteur rtl nieuws at rtl nieuws
about
my name is ilse and i am almost 50 years old. i am a journalist, so that’s how i always introduce myself professionally. for the last 22 years, i have been working at rtl nieuws. for me, it is really important that a workplace is motivating and vibrant, and that everyone is treated with respect. i like to bring out the best in people by observing them closely, listening to them carefully, and providing good feedback. i think it’s crucial to be honest with people – positive, but also critical if needed – and to back up your point with good arguments. and of course, always do so respectfully and note that showing respect can be done in many ways.
do you identify yourself as a role model?
i am the first female editor-in-chief of rtl nieuws. if that inspires just one woman or little girl to pursue a career in journalism, that would be great. i try to be an example as a leader, but i don’t see myself as a role model at the same time. i also don’t believe that women are necessarily better leaders than men: it really depends on your style and character.
who or what inspired you to pursue your chosen career?
when i was young, i looked up to my grandmother from zeeland a lot: neeltje openneer. she was a very independent woman who lost her husband early on. she made it through the second world war, raised her five children and sent them to college. she worked in the fields to make it happen. i admired her autonomy, but in journalism i never had a real role model. i learned a lot from many people around me, including my predecessor harm taselaar, with whom i worked very closely in the recent years. that was incredibly valuable for the journalist i am today. we could also tell each other the truth well, because we sometimes disagreed on how to approach something – like whether or not to send someone abroad. but it was always respectful.”
what advice would you give to your younger self?
i used to want to go from zero to one hundred very quickly. things and ideas couldn’t happen fast enough, which meant i sometimes felt restless. i see this happening with younger colleagues as well. my advice would be: have trust in the fact that good work will
be recognized. seize the opportunities that are offered to you, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself and take care of yourself. do something you truly enjoy and which you’re good at. and, last but not least, you have to accept that some things are out of your control.
rtl nieuws
for years, gender representation is one of the priorities within rtl nederland. as one of the biggest media-organisations of our country, we are convinced that it is our responsiblity to represent women in all functions and showcase our female role models for their unique talents and drive: to our colleagues as well as to the broader public. we take this responsibility very seriously and are making good progress, but we can always improve. both on screen and behind the scenes. we see it as a privilige to affirm girls and women how crucial their place is in society and in our company.