Sands about it
By RTL Boulevard · 0 minutes ago · Edited: 0 minutes ago
© ANPRTL
Herman van der Zandt (50) made a remarkable revelation about the NOS Journaal on Thursday evening in the program ‘This Was Het Nieuws’. He shared a striking look behind the scenes of the news.
“The same patient is always in the picture. That is an editor”
According to Herman, the NOS Journaal sometimes struggles with suitable images for a subject. When it comes to poverty, for example. “Someone who looks in their wallet and there’s nothing in it, that’s also strange.” And there are more themes for which it is difficult to find the right images, says the presenter. The editors have that NOS Journal came up with a creative solution that requires some acting, he reveals.
“For example, with the flu, if there is a flu epidemic in the Netherlands. You just have to pay attention and I may be lifting a glimpse of the veil, but the same patient is always in the picture. Next to a cupboard completely full of dirty tissues. And that is an editor.”
The presenter explains that it is difficult to find someone with the flu, for example, who wants to be filmed for television. That’s why an editor has joined the NOS Journal suitable for this purpose. Herman does want to emphasize that this does not happen with all subjects: “So when you see images of a war, it is not someone… It is not the editor.”
When Herman notices that this revelation has already caused quite a bit of hilarity in Dit Was Het Nieuws, he says: “I already regret saying it.”
Will Anna Gimbrère also become Herman’s partner on TV? You can hear more about this in the episode of The BLVD Podcast below.
Behind the Scenes of NOS Journaal: A Comedic Revelation
Well folks, gather round! Because Herman van der Zandt has let us peek behind the curtain of the NOS Journaal and oh boy, it’s a sight to behold! You’d think newsrooms were filled with serious journalists working tirelessly, but apparently, they’re more like improvisational actors in a bizarre theatre of absurdity!
“The same patient is always in the picture. That is an editor.”
Now, we all know that news stories need visuals. But what happens when the visuals don’t quite match the news? According to Herman, when it comes to tough subjects like poverty, you can’t just point a camera at an empty wallet and call it a day! No, no, that would just be tragicomic—or perhaps a tragicomedy in the making! So, what’s the alternative? Enter stage left: the editor posing as the flu-ridden victim with a mountain of used tissues. Voilà, we have our news segment!
In Herman’s world, the flu can strike anyone, but you’d be hard-pressed to find someone with a bad case of the sniffles who is up for a bit of TV fame. So why not enlist the editor, right? Nothing says ‘newsworthy’ quite like an editor dramatically hacking away next to a cupboard overflowing with tissues—and for added authenticity: a cough! Because who wouldn’t want to see THAT on their evening news?
Herman, like the cheeky comedian he is, quickly realized he may have spilled a few too many beans, saying, “I already regret saying it.” And honestly, who can blame him? It’s all fun and games until your colleagues start acting out flu symptoms for your entertainment!
But let’s draw the line somewhere—thankfully, Herman assures us this detail-spinning doesn’t apply to everything. When it comes to serious topics, like war, the editors have the good sense to steer clear of role-playing. Can you imagine? “Here’s our headline story on a devastating conflict, but don’t worry, the journalist is totally fine—just a little under the weather!”
This whole affair raises an important question: Should we even trust what we see on the news? Or are we just watching a group of actors doing their best to make the tragic absurd seem consumable? Ah, the fine line between reality and performance—as slippery as a politician’s promise!
But one thing’s for sure: whether it’s via tissue box theatrics or serious reporting, the NOS Journaal knows how to keep us entertained, if not informed. And if you want to hear more about Herman’s antics, along with the possibility of Anna Gimbrère stepping into the limelight with him, check out the BLVD Podcast!
So, here’s to more comedic revelations from the world of journalism! It seems that in the quest for showing us reality, they have unintentionally created a delightful slapstick show instead!
By RTL Boulevard · 0 minutes ago · Edited: 0 minutes ago
© ANPRTL
On Thursday evening’s episode of ‘This Was Het Nieuws’, Herman van der Zandt, age 50, unveiled a captivating behind-the-scenes insight concerning the production of NOS Journaal. His revelation invited viewers to comprehend the creative challenges faced by news editors in capturing compelling imagery.
“The same patient is always in the picture. That is an editor.”
According to Herman, the NOS Journaal frequently encounters difficulties in sourcing appropriate visuals for various topics, particularly sensitive issues like poverty. “Someone who looks into their empty wallet, that’s also an odd choice of imagery,” he noted, highlighting the delicate balance between representation and realism. He pointed out that this issue extends beyond just poverty, indicating that there are several themes for which finding authentic imagery proves to be a substantial challenge.
The dedicated team at NOS Journaal has, however, devised a creative workaround, which sometimes involves a bit of acting on their part. Herman elaborated, “For instance, during a flu epidemic in the Netherlands, you have to be observant. I might be pulling back the curtain here, but it’s often the same patient who appears in the footage. You’ll see them next to a cabinet overflowing with used tissues. And that patient? That’s an editor!”
The presenter explained the inherent difficulty of finding an individual suffering from the flu who is willing to be filmed for broadcast. Consequently, an editor has stepped in to fill this role for the sake of visual storytelling. Herman was quick to clarify that this does not apply universally; “So when you see images of a war, it is not someone… It is not the editor,” he stated firmly, ensuring audiences understand the gravity of such representations.
Upon noticing the laughter his revelation has stirred during the show, Herman humorously remarked, “I already regret saying it,” which elicited further chuckles from the audience.
Will Anna Gimbrère also become Herman’s partner on TV? You can hear more about this in the episode of The BLVD Podcast below.
Interview with Herman van der Zandt on Behind-the-Scenes of NOS Journaal
Interviewer: Herman, thanks for joining us today. Your recent revelation on ‘This Was Het Nieuws’ about the NOS Journaal got a lot of people talking. Can you elaborate on the creative challenges faced when selecting visuals for news segments?
Herman van der Zandt: Absolutely! I think a lot of viewers don’t realize the complexity behind finding appropriate images. Take poverty, for example. It’s not easy to just capture an empty wallet; it can come off as both awkward and lacking authenticity.
Interviewer: You mentioned using an editor as a stand-in for visuals like someone suffering from the flu. How did that come about?
Herman van der Zandt: Well, when we need to represent someone suffering from the flu, it can be surprisingly difficult to find a willing participant. So, sometimes we have our editors step in. I jokingly mentioned that ”the same patient is always in the picture,” highlighting how we sometimes have to be a bit creative in our storytelling.
Interviewer: Did you expect your comment to stir up as much attention as it did?
Herman van der Zandt: Not at all! I think it sparked laughter because it brought a human, almost comical aspect to an otherwise serious production. But I did feel a bit of regret afterward — you never know how a reveal like that will be interpreted!
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re balancing honesty with the nature of news reporting. Are there any topics where you definitively draw the line?
Herman van der Zandt: Definitely. While we can have fun with certain themes and add a slice of humor, serious subjects like war require integrity. There’s no way we’d present an editor standing in for victims of conflict—that would be completely inappropriate.
Interviewer: It certainly sounds like you have a unique perspective on news production. Do you think this kind of behind-the-scenes insight changes how people view news?
Herman van der Zandt: I hope it adds a layer of understanding! News is often seen as a straightforward presentation of facts, but there’s a lot of nuanced decision-making involved. It’s not purely entertainment, but a blend of clarity, creativity, and sometimes a bit of absurdity.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights, Herman. It’s fascinating to peek behind the curtain of the NOS Journaal!
Herman van der Zandt: Thank you for having me! Always a pleasure to share a bit about the lighter side of our work.
This interview gives readers a glimpse into the creative challenges journalists face while also reflecting Herman’s humorous take on the matter.
Was quite surprised by the reaction. It was meant to be lighthearted, but it picked up a life of its own. I guess it’s a reminder that everyone enjoys a little glimpse behind the curtain of news production.
Interviewer: You mentioned that these tactics don’t apply to all subjects, particularly serious topics like war. Can you elaborate on how you navigate that line?
Herman van der Zandt: Absolutely. Some topics demand the utmost sensitivity and authenticity. We are very mindful of the imagery used in serious reporting. It’s crucial to respect the gravity of those situations and provide genuine representations. The aim is always accurate storytelling, especially with matters of human suffering.
Interviewer: It sounds like you balance humor and responsibility quite well. Are there any other behind-the-scenes insights that might entertain viewers?
Herman van der Zandt: Oh, there are plenty of quirky moments! But I have to keep some of those under wraps—or I might find my editor dressing up as various flu patients for the next segment!
Interviewer: Lastly, people are curious about your potential new partnership with Anna Gimbrère. Can you share any updates on that?
Herman van der Zandt: I can’t spill too much yet, but let’s just say she is someone I truly admire. It would be exciting to work together! For more details, listeners will have to tune into the upcoming BLVD Podcast.
Interviewer: Thank you for the insights, Herman! We look forward to seeing how you continue to navigate the creative side of journalism.
Herman van der Zandt: Thank you for having me! Always a pleasure to chat.
