Standing up for free media and our constitutional democracy.

SDM is firmly committed to the interests of citizens and their right to media that function well. We are part of a broad network across media, government, and research institutions, and we work together to foster a healthy media landscape. We operate independently, free of government subsidies and with no profit motive. Our own capital gives us the financial strength to act decisively, even in challenging situations.
We put that position to active use. We safeguard, investigate, innovate, and bring people together. For eighty years, we have been committed to a free media and a constitutional democracy.

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Roots in the Resistance

In 1941, the first edition of the resistance newspaper Het Parool was published. Risking their lives, the founders, journalists, printers, and distributors committed themselves to a free and open society. The newspaper was meant to continue after the war too, on a not-for-profit basis. While the war was still raging, its founders therefore established a foundation, which became the owner of Het Parool. Stichting Democratie and Media is the successor to that foundation.

This history makes us even more aware of this every day. Democracy and free media cannot be taken for granted. They require our constant attention, support, and active participation.

Every year on 5 February, we commemorate the Parool employees who were executed or murdered during the occupation, or who ended up in a concentration camp or prison.

Our History

SDM Team

Thomas Boeschoten

Senior Policy Advisor Media and Technology

Thomas Boeschoten closely monitors technological and digital developments and contributes to SDM’s vision on the impact of technology on a well-informed society.

Casper Siffels

Policy Officer Media and Democracy

Casper Siffels leads and contributes to SDM’s projects in the field of media for democracy.

Sümeyye Ekmekçi

Strategy Lead

Sümeyye Ekmekçi oversees the strategic coherence and implementation of complex programs and projects within SDM.

Britt van Sloun

Communicatiespecialist

Britt van Sloun vertaalt SDM’s koers naar communicatieplannen. Ze geeft mede vorm aan de manier waarop de organisatie zich positioneert en vertaalt SDM’s activiteiten naar heldere content.

Kim Schuiten

Project Officer

Kim Schuiten contributes to the success of SDM’s projects by supporting their implementation.

Tim Schoot Uiterkamp

Policy Officer Knowledge and Research

Tim Schoot Uiterkamp coordinates research projects and ensures effective knowledge sharing within the organization.

Mirjam van der Zijden-Grotjohann portrait image

Mirjam Grotjohann

Office Manager

Mirjam van der Zijden-Grotjohann is the primary point of contact and the central hub of the organization. In addition to office management duties, she supports the team.

Wout van Zaale

Communications Officer

Wout van Zaale manages SDM’s social media channels, writes newsletters, and keeps the website up to date.

Karlijn Bink

Head of Operations

Karlijn Bink is responsible for operational processes in the areas of finance, IT, HR, and compliance. She also serves as the point of contact for the surviving relatives of the illegal Parool.

Mieke de Vos

Head of Strategy and Organization

Mieke de Vos translates SDM’s strategy into practice and ensures that the organization is capable of executing it.

Lisa Peters

Lead External Relations

Lisa Peters shapes SDM’s external relations and ensures their implementation, ranging from strategic communication and events to relationship management.

Nienke Venema

Executive Director

Nienke Venema leads SDM, monitors the strategic direction, and oversees the financial continuity of the organization. She also represents SDM externally, including as a shareholder in DPG Media B.V. and De Correspondent B.V.