The Dutch public broadcasting system is to be overhauled to reduce the amount of advertising and boost regional programming, broadcaster NOS said, quoting cabinet sources.

The three state channels NPO 1,2 and 3, will be advertising-free until 8pm and all advertising will be removed from the online services, NOS said.

The biggest impact will be on NPO3 which currently focuses on more youth orientated programming. Instead its remit will be largely to carry regional programming from the 12 provincial broadcasters.

Scrapping adverts during daytime and early evening viewing will cost some €60m, of which €40m will be compensated for by the treasury. Savings and programming fees will make up the rest of the shortfall, NOS said.

Media minister Arie Slob is currently working on a briefing for parliament about the proposals, but no date has yet been set for the changes to be formally presented.

There are currently eight main Dutch public broadcasting companies operating under the NPO banner: AVROTROS, BNNVARA, EO, KRO-NCRV, MAX, Powned, VPRO and WNL, plus the news arm NOS and a number of specialist companies.