IKON (Netherlands Interdenominational Broadcasting Company) is a public broadcasting corporation that plays a central role in society by producing programmes for radio, television and new media on behalf of eight Christian churches.
IKON’S Mission Statement
From a (Protestant) Christian tradition and a religious perspective, IKON produces content for radio, television and new media that both broadens and opens up new horizons in order to inspire, motivate and galvanise. IKON contributes to the public debate in its own particular way which is based on genuine curiosity, admiration and an ability for criticism, while building bridges between Christians, other faiths and non believers in an imaginative way.
IKON’s goal
IKON focuses on those in society who want to learn about values, rooted primarily in Jewish-Christian traditions, on which our culture is based. Besides the individual’s freedom in society as a starting point, IKON also raises awareness of how relative this concept actually is, since not every human being is actually able to share this freedom.
IKON produces programmes for those whose outlook on life is based primarily on spirituality and reflection and who use these concepts as a source of inspiration on which to act, both within and outside the religious context. IKON encourages people to think about what is going on in the world, and therefore encourages people to act.
The means to achieve that goal
IKON produces content for radio, television and new media. To do this, it collaborates with those of a similar persuasion in society whenever possible. IKON organises and encourages meetings which use the content produced for radio, television and new media wherever possible.
IKON’s programmatic starting point
Key values in IKON programming and in new media expressions are: sincerity, reliability, challenge and depth. IKON content shows that this ideology is a question of self reflection and a need that cannot be imposed by others.
IKON recognises that God manifests Himself in a variety of ways and regards this as a challenge for the ecumenical exchange between cultures and generations. For this exchange, IKON primarily uses the inspiration gained from existing biblical stories and religious concepts rooted in the (Protestant) Christian tradition. The point of departure here is that the similarities between the images of God are more important than the differences.
IKON is closely involved in the moral/ethical debate, and not only focuses on topical issues but is responsible for putting issues on the social agenda itself.
This stems from the conviction that providing answers is not the focal point; instead asking the right questions is key to IKON’S mission bearing in mind its motto: Those who find have not looked properly.
IKON looks for confrontation in order to encourage dialogue.
IKON highlights undercurrents in society to provide insight into social and individual processes.
IKON questions the obvious and inspires people to take up a stance.