Opstaan met Vrolek

Gary’s Tearoom

On 10th November 2012, Daan called Gary’s Tearoom in Dordrecht unannounced live on the air. Daan had been contacted by two people who had reserved seats at the establishment, but were banned at the door. The owner had sent them away because they brought a child — something which was not forbidden according to the reservation policy at the time.

The owner Gary answered the phone, and Daan repeatedly pointed out the discrepancies between his handling of the matter and what he publicly communicated. The conversation didn’t go anywhere and Gary hung up the phone.

The story was picked up by the local news website iDordt, after which Gary complained to the Journalism Council. A mediator of the council spoke to the radio station and the tearoom management, after which no further steps were taken.

On 2nd August 2013, the television show Radar covered the practices of Gary’s Tearoom. iDordt then reported that the store was closed and the owner was preparing a lawsuit. This never came to fruition.

Profanity

Like many local public radio stations, Radio Vrolek was supplied with national news bulletins by the NOS.

On 18th May 2013 the newscaster on duty was recording their bulletin when he tripped on words and cursed loudly before stopping the recording.

This recording was inadvertently sent out to a few hundred of local stations as the definitive bulletin for that hour, which caused it to go out on-air as such during Opstaan met Vrolek.