NPO reinvents FunX

AMSTERDAM — FunX was founded in 2002 through its metro outlets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht in the western part of the Netherlands. The channel focuses on the multicultural youth culture of the major cities, with programming packed with hip-hop, R&B, Latin, reggae, Turkish pop, Arab pop and other crossover styles. The station launched nationally in 2005 alongside the four city editions.

FunX profiles itself as “the voice of urban youth.” Musical diversity and cultural recognition are central. Each metro edition has its own FM frequency, and the signal is available nationwide via DAB+, cable, online and the NPO Luister app. It also features seven thematic online channels.

In 2017, the search began for a new location for the Amsterdam FunX studio and editorial team. The old Pakhuis de Zwijger location no longer offered the space FunX needed to realize its ambitions.

Banking on a creative hub

The new NPO FunX is in the former ING bank office at Bijlmerdreef 888 in Amsterdam South. This area has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, becoming the creative hotbed of NPO FunX. The content creators worked enthusiastically to prepare the new content hub, and the building’s old bank vault has evolved into a progressive creative hub: “the Content Vault.” 

Finally, after extensive preparation, the key to the new space in the beautiful building was handed over on Jan. 1, 2025, and the new location officially opened on June 9, 2025.

The completed project in the past had a strong focus on cost control and sustainability. The station achieved this primarily by purchasing a Software-as-a-Service solution package that included software, support and development. Quality, continuity, and agility for the future were important in the brand’s new setup.

The Content Vault

NPO FunX targets a mobile-first audience, where radio is part of a broader media mix focused on interaction and brand experience. The Content Vault, therefore, houses several production functions, including a performance space for live acts, a second radio studio, a podcast studio, and a base for TikTok and other short-form content production. Despite a minimal technical footprint on site, the facility produces a high volume of content each day.

During a tour, DJ Quincy presented his program “Rewind” from the new studio. Live radio, visual radio and a TikTok livestream ran together. When Quincy’s radio microphone closed, the TikTok music automatically dropped by 9 dB, and his voice on the TikTok feed remained audible, enabled by a dump rail. This enabled direct interaction with listeners: questions, discussions and real-time feedback. Quincy could easily involve a listener in the radio show or interact outside the show. A very intense and dynamic way of working multimedia-wise. The result: a modern way of producing radio that seamlessly merges audio, video and community. Quincy said, “This studio feels so good. It’s a great pleasure to work here. Compared to the old studio, it supports continuity and future development.”

NPO FunX has completely reinvented itself through innovation, collaboration and a deep understanding of its target audience. The combination of technological advancements, multimedia creativity and a flexible workflow also prepares NPO FunX for the future — offering program makers, DJs and guests an inspiring environment where modern urban radio comes to life.

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