NETHERLANDS | TUNGARU PRESS | October 26, 2026
Dutch journalist and television presenter Sven Kockelmann has won the 2026 Sonja Barend Award for his interview with former Prime Minister Dick Schoof, earning praise for a personal and revealing conversation about the challenges of leading the Netherlands.
The award, presented by Dutch broadcaster BNNVARA, recognises the best television interview of the year.
Kockelmann received the honour for his interview with Schoof on February 20, 2026, during a special edition of the WNL programme Café Kockelmann.
A panel of 50 journalists selected the winning interview from a longlist of nine conversations.
A Personal Conversation About Political Leadership
The judging panel praised Kockelmann for moving beyond traditional political questioning and encouraging Schoof to reflect on his experiences as prime minister.
Rather than conducting a political confrontation, the journalist focused on understanding how Schoof had personally experienced a difficult period in government.
Jury member Maartje van Weegen praised the interview, describing it as:
“A revealing conversation.”
According to BNNVARA, the interview stood out because Kockelmann explored the personal experiences behind Schoof's political leadership.
Kockelmann Explains What He Wanted to Discover
Following his victory, Kockelmann told BNNVARA that he wanted to understand the person behind the prime minister's public role.
“The intention was an honest look back, with openness about what happened,” Kockelmann said.
“I wanted to know what had been going through his mind and how he had experienced the events.”
The journalist described the conversation as particularly memorable because of Schoof's willingness to speak openly.
However, he admitted that even after years of experience, he continued to question his own performance.
“I did wonder: Was it sharp enough? Was it complete enough?” he said.
“The doubt remains, however long I do this work.”
Kockelmann added that the conversation had left a strong impression on the production team.
“Even the people who were technically involved in the recording were silent afterwards,” he recalled.
Other Journalists Recognised
Kockelmann received the award during an episode of the Dutch television programme Pauw & De Wit.
The prize was presented by Coen Verbraak, who won the award in 2025.
Television presenter Eva Jinek finished second for her interview with Chris Stoffer, leader of the Dutch Reformed Political Party (SGP), about abortion.
Verbraak placed third for his interview with journalist Frits Abrahams, who spoke about his wife living with dementia.
That interview was broadcast on the Human programme Over Leven.
First Ceremony Since Sonja Barend's Death
This year's award ceremony carried special significance following the death of legendary Dutch television presenter Sonja Barend in April 2026 at the age of 86.
Barend, widely known as the Queen of the Talk Show, was celebrated for her interviewing skills and her contribution to Dutch television journalism.
The award named in her honour recognises outstanding television interviews.
This was the first time Barend was not present to personally present the prize.
However, the award will continue, in accordance with her wishes.
Recognising the Power of Journalism
Kockelmann's victory highlights the importance of journalism that allows audiences to understand the people behind major political decisions.
His interview with Schoof demonstrated how personal questions can reveal experiences that are often absent from traditional political reporting.
The award also honours the continuing influence of Sonja Barend on Dutch broadcasting.
For Kockelmann, the recognition celebrates an interview that combined openness, reflection and professional curiosity.
His achievement reinforces the value of meaningful conversations in helping the public better understand political leaders and the challenges they face.
Translated and rewritten from Dutch for Tungaru Press. Direct quotes have been translated into English.
Tungaru Press | Local Voices, Global Stories.
