Sheily Belhaj Appointed Deputy Editor-in-Chief at NOS Nieuws
Experienced journalist Sheily Belhaj will join the NOS Nieuws editorial leadership team in 2027.
1Leadership Transition Announced
Sheily Belhaj has been appointed as the new deputy editor-in-chief of NOS Nieuws. She is scheduled to officially assume her new responsibilities on January 1, 2027. This transition marks the departure of Bart Leferink, who is stepping down from the editorial board after serving in the position for nearly fifteen years.
2Internal Career Progression
The 37-year-old journalist has been a consistent presence at NOS since 2017. Her career trajectory within the organization includes roles as a foreign editor for NOS Radio 1 Journaal and news coordinator for the online desk. Most recently, she served as the head of NOS Stories for the past two and a half years.
3Academic and Professional Background
Before joining the public broadcaster, Belhaj gained experience at media organizations NTR and VPRO. Her educational foundation includes a degree from the School of Journalism in Utrecht. Furthermore, she holds an academic background in Arabic language and culture, complemented by a master's degree in Religious Studies from Utrecht University, broadening her professional perspective.
4Strategic Editorial Vision
Editor-in-chief Giselle van Cann expressed confidence in Belhaj’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional journalism and diverse audience needs. The leadership team believes that Belhaj’s expertise will be instrumental in making news content more relevant and engaging. Her appointment is viewed as a key step for the future development of the newsroom.
5Focus on Audience Engagement
Belhaj emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific concerns and questions of the public. Drawing from her tenure at NOS Stories, she advocates for journalism that is both inclusive and recognizable. She believes that taking the audience's perspective seriously is essential for strengthening the overall impact and credibility of news reporting.
6Current Leadership Structure
The editorial board of NOS Nieuws currently operates with a structured leadership team. Alongside Giselle van Cann, the board includes deputy editor-in-chief Wilma Haan and current adjuncts Lucas Waagmeester and Karina ter Horst. Belhaj’s arrival will integrate her specific experience into this existing management framework to support the organization's long-term editorial goals.
7Media Industry Context
The appointment reflects a broader trend in public broadcasting where digital-first experience is increasingly valued at the executive level. By promoting leaders with backgrounds in youth-oriented platforms like NOS Stories, the organization aims to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape where traditional news outlets must compete for younger, digital-native audiences.
8Future Organizational Impact
As the media environment continues to evolve, the inclusion of Belhaj in the top management team signals a focus on adaptability. Her transition from digital content leadership to broader editorial oversight suggests that NOS Nieuws intends to prioritize audience-centric strategies. Observers will monitor how these leadership changes influence future editorial output and coverage.
Original article: NOS Nieuws — Sheily Belhaj Appointed Deputy Editor-in-Chief at NOS Nieuws