About Operator
Our mission
Operator is an online radio station and cultural platform dedicated to enriching the music and cultural landscape of Rotterdam and beyond, with a special focus on alternative sounds and underrepresented stories. We curate both on- and offline events, placing emphasis on talent development, experimentation, and nightlife culture. By putting Rotterdam on the map locally, nationally, and internationally, we showcase our creators to the world.
Our vision
Operator can be listened to for free at any time of the day, anywhere in the world. Through internet radio, events, and workshops, we make invisible networks visible. Alternative music scenes that coexist internationally are interconnected through Operator. Together with various creators, artists, and partners, we curate programs that promote depth, recognition, and solidarity. Music is an instrument to spark difficult conversations, it connects people and can bridge differences, but also to build friendships and have fun together. At Operator, we make space for talent, courageous voices, and artists who are just starting out. We are a place where different cultures and non-dominant groups are celebrated, with the goal of creating a stronger position and more space for them in the music scene
From our iconic blue shipping container in the heart of Rotterdam, we broadcast a variety of live shows - from music to science and sports - featuring local and international DJ’s, artists and guest speakers, 24/7, since 2017. We are committed to supporting emerging talents and engaging the local community and beyond. Our main goal is overall cultural development through diverse initiatives. We do this through online streaming, music, talk shows, interviews, collaborations and curated events.
Our values and house rules
We would like to make you aware of operator’s core values upon which our house rules are based: warmth, equality, safety, openness and inclusivity.
Here at Operator we’re committed to making our studio space and online environment as safe and pleasant as possible for our community, staff and artists. We have zero tolerance towards any aggressive, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, shaming, rude, intimidating, violent and other discriminatory forms of behavior.
Our team
- Jeff van Hoek, Creative Director.
- Osman Bas, Programming.
- Kris Fraanje, Programming.
- Pim van Os, Radio Producer.
- Catherine Guillabert, Content Manager.
Our partners
AIR, Arkaoda (TR), Art Rotterdam, BAR, BIT Club, BK-informatie, BRUTUS, Biergarten, Blijdorp Festival, Bureau Convoi, Carhartt WIP, CBK R’DAM, Clone Records, Cultuurpodium Perron, De Doelen, Dekmantel, Demonfuzz Records, De Nieuwe Lichting, Echobox, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Extra Extra Magazine, Future Intel, Grauzone Festival, Het Nieuwe Instituut, HipHopHuis, IFFR, IO, Jägermeister, KINO Rotterdam, Kiosk Radio (BE), Kunsthal, Lowlands, MONO, Motel Mozaique, N8W8 R’dam, Nest, NM (studio), OOST, Ombra Festival (ES), PIP, Paviljoen aan het Water, Pinkman Records, POING Club, Peace Freedom (ID), Radio Radio, Radio Raheem (IT), Roffa Mon Amour, Roodkapje, Rotown, Rotterdam Pride, Sumibu, Susan Bijl, TENT, The Function, The Niteshop, Time is the new space, WdKA, Weelde, Wereldmuseum, Woei, WORM, ZUS, Zalando.
Contact us
- For general inquiries: [email protected]
- For programming inquiries: [email protected]
- Shop: [email protected]