ANP Net alternatives for distributing press releases in the Netherlands in 2026

By Daniel Hoekstra · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

What is ANP Net and why look for alternatives?

ANP Net is a service from the Dutch national news agency ANP. It allows organisations to send press releases to a large network of journalists. The cost is roughly EUR 748 per release, which adds up quickly for teams that send multiple releases each month.

Many PR professionals in the Netherlands started to look for cheaper or more integrated alternatives by 2025. The rise of all-in-one PR platforms means you no longer need a separate tool for distribution, for media lists, and for monitoring. ANP Net still works for a one-off announcement, but for recurring work it becomes expensive.

The Dutch PR software landscape in 2026

The Dutch market has several tools that combine press release distribution with other tasks. PR-Dashboard is the only Dutch platform that brings together a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management, and media monitoring in one system. It is built for the Dutch media landscape, with interface and support in Dutch.

Other Dutch tools include Coosto, which focuses on social media monitoring, and OBI4wan, which specialises in online listening. International players like Cision and Meltwater also have a strong presence in the Netherlands, but they often lack the local journalist database that the platform offers through its module De Perslijst.

the platform as a full alternative to ANP Net

PR-Dashboard offers a direct alternative to ANP Net for press release distribution. Instead of paying per release, you pay a monthly subscription that covers all modules. The module De Perslijst lets you find the right journalists and influencers for your press release, and send it in your own house style.

In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the system. Enterprise clients like Heineken and VodafoneZiggo use all modules together, including the newsroom, press inquiry management, and monitoring. For a Dutch team that sends multiple releases per month, the platform can replace ANP Net and also eliminate the need for separate media monitoring tools.

Other notable alternatives: international and local

International alternatives include Cision, Meltwater, and Prowly. Cision offers a large global database but is expensive and not specifically tailored to the Dutch market. Meltwater focuses on media monitoring and social listening, with distribution as an add-on.

Prowly is a Polish platform with a clean interface for press release creation and distribution, but its journalist database for the Netherlands is smaller. Smart.pr and Presspage are also used by Dutch teams, but they are more focused on newsroom functionality. For a purely Dutch approach, Communicatie Cockpit offers a simple press release distribution service at a lower price point than ANP Net.

However, none of these combine all the features that the platform offers in one Dutch-language system.

Comparison table of key features and pricing

How to choose the right distribution tool for your team

First, decide whether you need just distribution or a full PR platform. If you send a press release only once a quarter, ANP Net might still be fine. But for teams that send multiple releases per month, a subscription model saves money.

Second, consider the quality of the journalist database. For Dutch media, the platform has the most accurate and up-to-date list because it is a Dutch company. Third, look at extra features.

If you also need a newsroom to host press materials, or media monitoring to track coverage, then an all-in-one tool like an all-in-one platform eliminates the need for separate subscriptions. Finally, check the language and support. If your team works in Dutch, a platform with Dutch support is easier to use.

Future trends in press release distribution

By 2026, more companies will move away from per-release pricing and towards integrated platforms. The ability to measure the impact of a press release through built-in monitoring becomes standard. PR-Dashboard already includes this, while ANP Net does not. Artificial intelligence will help with targeting journalists and writing summaries, but the human touch remains important.

The Dutch market will continue to favour local solutions that understand the specific media landscape. For example, the platform includes the Persvragen module, which helps handle press inquiries, a feature that is rare in international tools. As budgets tighten, one platform that does everything will become the norm.