It carries programmes provided by member-based non-profit broadcasting associations and is oriented towards children, youth, and innovative television.

This plan failed but later resulted in a new television channel targeting Dutch and Flemish people living abroad.

NPO 3 was established as 'Nederland 3' on 4 April 1988, however, the channel was used for experimental purposes for the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary earlier on in the year.

Nederland 3 became the home channel of the broadcasters VPRO, VARA, RVU, and NPS, all of which share a progressive outlook.

In September 2000, AVRO, BNN, EO, KRO and TROS later joined this channel in producing more content for its programming output.