Its main format is classic hits (both English and Dutch titles) from the 1950s and beyond, with a much stronger emphasis from the 1960s to 1980s.

Every year towards the end of November, NPO Radio 5 broadcasts "The Evergreen Top 1000".

NPO Radio 5 was launched in 1983 under the name of Hilversum 5, which featured programming for minority groups.

Although the 747 kHz medium wave transmissions were appreciated by motorists and enabled the channel to be heard across much of Europe at night, the domestic audience is increasingly reached via cable or internet.

Because of the increase of its listeners, it is considered to make the easy-listening programming, "Radio 5 Nostalgia" available 24-hours a day.