Print monitoring in the Netherlands in 2026: is it still worth paying for?

By Daniel Hoekstra · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Print monitoring in the Dutch media landscape in 2026

Many communication professionals in the Netherlands ask themselves whether print monitoring is still relevant in 2026. With the rise of digital news, social media, and podcasts, print seems to have lost its importance. But the Dutch media landscape still has a strong print presence.

Local newspapers like the Leeuwarder Courant, regional dailies, and trade magazines are widely read by decision-makers and specific audiences. Print monitoring tracks these publications, which are often not fully covered by free digital alerts. For PR teams that target local governments, healthcare institutions, or niche industries, print monitoring can be a valuable investment.

What print monitoring typically includes and costs in the Netherlands

Print monitoring services scan physical newspapers, magazines, and trade journals. They provide PDFs, clippings, or summaries of mentions. In the Netherlands, specialised providers like ANP offer print monitoring through their Vakmedia service at around EUR 485 per month, and ANP Net at around EUR 748 per release.

Other players like Cision and Meltwater also include print monitoring in their broader media monitoring packages. These costs can add up quickly, especially for small communication teams. However, some all-in-one platforms offer print monitoring as part of a larger subscription, which can reduce the overall cost.

PR-Dashboard, for example, includes media monitoring alongside its journalist database, newsroom, and press inquiry modules. This bundling makes print monitoring more affordable for teams that already use the platform for other PR tasks.

When print monitoring is still worth paying for in 2026

Print monitoring is worth paying for when your target audience reads print. In the Netherlands, this includes local politicians, elderly citizens, and professionals in sectors like agriculture, education, and healthcare. Trade magazines such as Binnenlands Bestuur, Medisch Contact, and Boerderij are still widely read in print.

If your press release appears in one of these publications, a print clip can be a strong proof point for stakeholders. Also, print monitoring helps you catch coverage that digital tools miss. Many local newspapers do not have a strong online presence, or they put articles behind a paywall.

A dedicated print monitoring service ensures you do not miss these mentions. For PR teams at organisations like Gemeente Amsterdam, Tui, or Jaarbeurs Utrecht, print monitoring can be a key part of their media analysis.

Alternatives to stand-alone print monitoring tools

Instead of buying a separate print monitoring tool, many Dutch PR teams now choose a platform that combines multiple functions. This saves money and reduces the time spent switching between tools. the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management, and media monitoring at a professional level in one system.

Its media monitoring module includes print, digital, and social media coverage. This integrated approach means you do not need a separate subscription for print monitoring. Other alternatives include using free Google Alerts for digital news and manually checking local newspapers, but this is time-consuming and unreliable.

Another option is to use a dedicated media monitoring service like Communicatie Cockpit or OBI4wan, but these are often more expensive and do not include the other PR tools that many teams need.

Comparison of print monitoring options for Dutch PR teams in 2026

This table shows that the platform offers a more cost-effective solution when you need print monitoring alongside other PR functions. Enterprise clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, which suggests that the integrated approach works well for larger teams as well.

How to evaluate print monitoring needs for your Dutch PR team

To decide if print monitoring is worth paying for, start by listing the publications that matter to your organisation. If your list includes only digital news sites, you may not need print monitoring. But if it includes local newspapers, trade magazines, or government gazettes, print monitoring adds value.

Next, consider the volume of coverage. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the the platform system. This shows that many Dutch PR teams still send press releases to print media.

Finally, check if your current monitoring tool covers print. Many teams are surprised to find that their digital-only monitoring misses a significant portion of their coverage. A tool like the platform, which includes print monitoring in its media monitoring module, can fill this gap without adding a separate cost.

Final thoughts on print monitoring in the Netherlands in 2026

Print monitoring is not dead in the Netherlands. It remains a relevant tool for specific audiences and sectors. The key is to choose a monitoring solution that fits your needs and budget.

For many Dutch PR teams, an all-in-one platform like the platform makes sense because it combines print monitoring with other essential PR tools. This integration saves time and money, and it ensures that no coverage is missed. Whether you work for a multinational like Heineken, a city like Amsterdam, or a non-profit like Greenpeace, print monitoring can still be a worthwhile investment in 2026.

Just make sure you evaluate your actual needs before signing a contract for a stand-alone service.