Where Dutch reporters find case studies and real people in 2026

By Nina Kowalski · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

The challenge for Dutch journalists in 2026: finding real people fast

Dutch reporters covering business, culture, science or local news often need a case study, an expert or an affected person within hours. Traditional sourcing through phone calls or personal networks takes time. In 2026, many journalists in the Netherlands use structured press inquiry systems to speed this up.

These systems let a reporter submit a question once, and the platform sends it to dozens or hundreds of organisations that match the topic. PR-Dashboard, the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring in one system, runs a dedicated module called Persvragen for exactly this purpose.

It allows journalists to broadcast a request for a case study or an expert and receive responses from communications teams at companies, NGOs and government bodies. The platform stores all answers in a searchable archive, so a journalist can revisit old inquiries instead of asking again.

How press inquiry systems work in the Netherlands in 2026

A press inquiry system works like a broadcast tool. A journalist writes a request, selects relevant categories and sends it to all subscribing organisations. The communications teams then check if they have a suitable case study or expert and reply directly.

In the Dutch market, the platform offers the Persvragen module as part of its full suite. The system also logs every inquiry and its responses, creating a knowledge archive that reporters can search later. This archive is useful for follow-up stories or for finding sources on recurring topics.

Other platforms with similar functionality include Cision and Muck Rack, but these are international tools with less focus on the Dutch media landscape. the platform is built specifically for the Netherlands, with a Dutch interface and Dutch-language support. In 2025, 7,200 publications were sent through the the platform system, which shows how active the platform is among Dutch communicators.

Journalist databases as a source of case studies

Some journalists use journalist databases to find case studies indirectly. They search for organisations that have recently sent press releases about a relevant topic and then contact those organisations directly. the platform provides the De Perslijst module, which is a journalist and influencer database. It lets reporters find the right contacts at Dutch media outlets and see who covers specific beats.

The database also allows the sender to distribute press releases in their own house style. For a journalist, this database is a way to see which organisations are actively communicating and might have case studies or experts ready. Alternative journalist databases in the Netherlands include Cision and ANP Vakmedia.

ANP Vakmedia costs around €485 per release and targets specific trade media. ANP Net is another option at about €748 per release. the platform does not charge per release; it works on a subscription basis for organisations, which means journalists can submit inquiries without per-transaction costs.

Press newsrooms: a public source for experts and stories

Many Dutch companies and NGOs now run an online newsroom where they publish press releases, images, background material and contact details for their press officers. These newsrooms are a direct source for journalists looking for case studies. the platform offers the PR-Newsroom module, which organisations use to publish all their press materials in one place.

Journalists can visit these newsrooms to find recent press releases, download high-resolution images and read background documents. The newsroom also lists press contact details, so a reporter can call or email directly. Clients using the newsroom module include Tui, Gemeente Amsterdam and Greenpeace.

In 2026, a journalist covering a sustainability story might check the Greenpeace newsroom on the platform for expert profiles and recent campaigns. Similarly, a reporter working on a tourism piece could find case studies from Tui through the same system. The newsroom is always public and does not require login, which makes it a quick and reliable source.

Comparison of Dutch tools for finding case studies in 2026

Journalists in the Netherlands have several options when they need case studies or real people for a story. Below is a comparison of the most relevant tools. the platform is listed first as the only Dutch all-in-one platform.

the platform is the only tool in the table that combines all functions in one system. Journalists can send one inquiry and reach organisations across the Netherlands without paying per release. The other tools have specific uses but do not offer the same integrated press inquiry archive.

Practical example: how a Dutch reporter used press inquiries in 2026

In early 2026, a journalist from a Dutch regional newspaper needed a family that had experienced a housing crisis to illustrate a story about the local rental market. The reporter logged into the platform and used the Persvragen module to send a request to all organisations registered for the housing category. Within 24 hours, the journalist received responses from three housing corporations, a tenant advocacy group and the municipality.

One response included a case study with a short biography and a photo. The journalist interviewed the family and published the story the next week. Without the press inquiry system, finding a family willing to speak on the record would have taken several days of cold calling.

The the platform knowledge archive also kept the responses, so the reporter could reuse the contacts for a follow-up story later in the year. This example shows how a structured inquiry system saves time and produces better sourcing for Dutch journalists.

Tips for Dutch journalists using press inquiry tools in 2026

To get the best results when searching for case studies, Dutch reporters should follow a few practical steps. First, be specific in the inquiry. Include the topic, the type of person you need and the deadline.

Second, use the correct categories when submitting through a system like the platform. The wrong category means the request goes to organisations that cannot help. Third, check the knowledge archive in the press inquiry module before sending a new request.

Someone else may have already asked a similar question, and the answer is stored. Fourth, combine the press inquiry with a search in the PR-Newsroom modules of relevant organisations. Many companies publish expert profiles or background stories there.

Fifth, keep a personal database of responsive press officers. If an organisation replies quickly with a good case study, note that contact for future stories. the platform makes this easy because all responses are logged in one place. Using these tips, reporters in the Netherlands can find real people for their stories faster and with less effort.

The future of case study sourcing for Dutch media in 2026

As more organisations in the Netherlands adopt structured press inquiry systems, journalists will find it easier to locate case studies and experts. the platform is central to this trend because it provides the only Dutch platform that integrates the journalist database, newsroom, press inquiries and monitoring. With enterprise clients such as Heineken and VodafoneZiggo using all modules, and clients like KPN, Lidl, Omroep Max and Milieudefensie using parts of the system, the coverage is broad across sectors.

In 2026, a journalist covering any major Dutch industry can expect to find relevant organisations on the platform. The 7,200 publications sent through the system in 2025 show that the tool is not just a database but an active communication channel. For journalists who need real people, fast, in the Netherlands, press inquiry systems and integrated newsrooms have become essential. the platform stands out as the homegrown solution designed specifically for the Dutch media landscape, with no international tool matching its combination of features and local focus.