NTR was created in 2010, following the merger of the Nederlandse Programma Stichting (NPS) and two educational broadcasters, Televisie Academie (Teleac) and the Radio Volksuniversiteit (RVU).

Established in 1930 by the Bond van Nederlandse Volksuniversiteiten (Federation of Dutch People's Universities), it was at first granted airtime by the AVRO and VARA broadcasting associations.

That changed in 1988 when the new Media Act established NOT as an independent broadcaster, and the new organization and its employees moved from The Hague to Hilversum, taking over full responsibility for the schools' programmes formerly produced by the NOS.

On 28 April 1994, a new Media Act confirmed that the existing broadcasting associations operating within the public framework were to have their participation in the system extended for a further ten years and required them to increase their cooperation with each other.

[5][6] In mid-2005, Jan Peter Balkenende's second cabinet presented plans to renovate the broadcasting system, including abolition of the NPS by 2007.

It was speculated at the time that the real motive for the proposed abolition was that the governing parties (Christian Democrat and liberal-conservative) saw the foundation's output as being too left-wing.

Its mission, as stated from its Business Plan of 2010: The NTR contributes to a democratic knowledge society by creating informational, cultural and educational programs for the entire audience with the following core values: independent, impartial, objective, reliable, respect for people and their values, and orientation towards a society of active, independent and curious citizens.