“The watchdog role of journalism is especially important right now.”
Interview
Pepijn Keppel journalist, columnist and author
Pepijn Keppel chose VU Amsterdam because as a top hockey player he was given the space to practise his sport. His first choice was psychology, but he soon realised that he would not feel at home in that field. The turning point came when he started making YouTube videos with a friend. “Then I thought: I think it's really great to do something where I can immerse myself in something different every time. And so it became journalism.”
As a first-generation student, Pepijn had to find his way within the university system. “The programme was much more theoretical than I expected. I also didn't really understand what was meant by ‘exchanging ideas and debating them. That came later.”
“I wanted to have a scientific background, to be better prepared.”
A few subjects made a deep impression. “I found the history of journalism incredibly interesting, especially the role that journalism plays in a democracy. Without good journalism, the democratic debate becomes poorer and less well substantiated. That is perhaps the most important thing I have learned.”
Ideal base
He started working in his first year. “Because I wanted to know if journalism suited me, I did an internship at Blendle. That went very well, and from there I ended up at NRC.” There he was given a permanent position. “I worked forty hours a week, still had to finish my studies and also had hockey training. That was pretty intense.”
The combination of work, study and sport turned out to be the ideal base for a versatile and creative career in journalism. He now has two books to his name, writes long pieces for De Groene Amsterdammer, among others, has a regular column in Trouw and makes programmes for Argos on Radio 1.
Images: Yvonne Compier
Images: Yvonne Compier
“I consider my books not only as personal stories, but also as documents of their time that show how we treat one another.”
For Pepijn, it is the perfect combination of in-depth journalism and work that gives his creativity space.
Climate crisis
A recurring theme in his work is the climate crisis and the power of the fossil fuel industry. “The climate crisis is the biggest crisis my generation is going to experience, so I think it's important to get involved in the provision of information about it.”
To deepen his knowledge, he decided to pursue a master's degree in environmental sciences. “I wanted to have a scientific background, to be better prepared. When you make reports about the fossil fuel industry or climate change, everything has to be right. After all, you're not attacking the smallest companies in the world. You can't afford to make mistakes.”
Autobiographical
In Pepijn's books there is more room for creativity, although his critical eye is not lacking there either. His debut De laatste man is about his time as an un-outed homosexual in the world of elite sport, where heterosexuality is the norm and manners are often not gay friendly. The book received a great deal of publicity and made him known to a wide audience.
Zusje, recently published, focuses on the complex relationship with his sister, who has psychological problems due to an event in the past. “I consider my books not only as personal stories, but also as documents of their time that show how we treat one another. Zusje is not only about our relationship, but also about how we have organised mental health care in the Netherlands.”
“Call it bad luck or call it good luck, but I come from a family full of stories.”
Happy
It is the long stories that make him really happy; stories in which he follows people or communities for a longer period of time. “I am now working on a story about the Lange Jaap, the lighthouse of Den Helder, the city my family is from.
Images: Yvonne Compier
Image: Yvonne Compier
That lighthouse is about to collapse, and I find it fascinating to investigate what it means for the community. What makes you preserve that cultural heritage or decide not to, or decide to spend millions on it? That lighthouse will never rotate again. Rijkswaterstaat is facing a huge dilemma there.”
Future
How does Pepijn see the future? “I think radio is a really special medium and I would like to continue doing that. Although I am very curious what the cuts in Hilversum will mean. I believe that there is too little money for investigative journalism in the Netherlands. I think everyone agrees that cuts should be made, but on journalism? I find it totally incomprehensible given the situation in the world. The watchdog role of journalism is especially important right now.”
And the writing? “I will always continue to do that. Fortunately, I can work across different types of media. For example, there are already plans for new autobiographical projects. Call it bad luck or call it luck, but I come from a family where there are many stories.”
Career Pepijn Keppel
Pepijn Keppel (b. 1996) studied journalism and environmental sciences at VU Amsterdam. Since 2016 he has been a journalist, columnist and author for De Groene Amsterdammer, Trouw and Argos Radio, among others. He published two books, De laatste man (2022) and Zusje (2025). Pepijn also gives lectures on LGBTI acceptance and inclusivity for companies and teams.
magazine for social sciences and humanities alumni december 2025