Hilversum 3 hit the airwaves across North Holland on Oct. 11, 1965. What began as a response to offshore radio stations grew into an institution, connected generations of listeners, launched countless musical careers and set the tone for innovation in public radio. Recently, NPO 3FM marked its 60th anniversary with a weekend full of music, stories, experiences and technology at Museum Beeld & Geluid (Image & Sound Museum) in Hilversum.
When Hilversum 3 launched, the goal was to offer young people a legal, contemporary music station as a public alternative to offshore broadcasters like Radio Veronica and Radio Noordzee.
In 1985, Hilversum 3 became Radio 3, and in 1994, the name that still resonates today: 3FM. The station became synonymous with experimentation, personality and discovery. With DJs such as Giel Beelen, Henk Westbroek, Edwin Evers, Rob Stenders, Claudia de Breij and Gerard Ekdom, 3FM grew into one of the most popular radio stations in the Netherlands.
A weekend full of music, memories and the future
The anniversary weekend allowed visitors to explore old and new studios — from the iconic Sonifex cart machine and the Magic Box to today’s 3FM studio, where live programs were broadcast throughout the weekend. It not only showcased the technical evolution — from analog tape recorders to TikTok and DAB+ — but also celebrated the creative energy that has defined 3FM for six decades. It highlighted the people behind the microphones, the producers, technicians and fans who have kept 3FM vibrant and relevant through every technological shift.
Technically, a lot has changed in 60 years. Where Hilversum 3 once broadcast on FM and AM, NPO 3FM can now be heard via FM, DAB+, cable, satellite and online. In addition, audiences can tune in through 3fm.nl, NPO Luister, smart speakers and major streaming platforms. Thanks to RadioDNS hybrid radio technology, modern receivers automatically switch between FM, DAB+ and the internet, offering seamless listening across different transmission systems.
The power of discovery and connection
Despite changing listening habits, NPO 3FM’s mission remains unchanged — discovering and supporting new talent. Through 3FM Talent, podcasts, festivals and online series, the station continues to provide a platform for tomorrow’s creators. These projects ensure that 3FM remains the place where new sounds find their audience and where young artists can grow within a trusted public broadcasting environment.
At its heart, 3FM still stands for emotion and action — where radio serves as both a source of entertainment and a driver of social engagement. The spirit of discovery and connection remains the station’s foundation, proving that even in a digital era, radio can still surprise and unite people.
As one of the current generation of 3FM DJs put it, “Radio changes, but the feeling of 3FM remains the same — close, unique and full of love for music.” With that same spirit of curiosity and innovation, NPO 3FM looks to the future — to a new generation of listeners, creators and stories that will carry the legacy forward.
These stories might interest you
Can DAB+ save terrestrial broadcast radio?
