RTL Nieuws

Making the news in the Netherlands...

A complete brand overhaul for RTL Nieuws — the Netherlands’ leading commercial multi- platform news service. During an 18 month project, Smörgåsbord, together with Mark Porter Associates, reimagined every aspect of RTL Nieuws’ output. From logos and title sequences, on-screen broadcast graphics for news, weather and business, to the studio set, music and digital platforms.

Brief—

We were charged with creating one brand, one look-and-feel — on TV, web and app.

Approach—

Whether our news comes from TV, the web, or mobile apps, we view the world through a rectangular frame. RTL Nieuws takes a torrent of raw information and frames the essentials, adding context and meaning. So the frame became our metaphor, influencing the visual expression of the brand at every level, from the new logotype to the set design.

Result—

The rebrand helped cement RTL Nieuws’ reputation as the Netherlands’ leading and most popular news service — trebling the number of app downloads within the first three months of launch.

• Gold at the 2016 European Design Awards, Istanbul.
• Received a comprehensive write-up in EYE magazine/88.

Framing device

Logotype

RTL Nieuws takes a torrent of raw information and frames the essentials, adding context and meaning. So the frame became our metaphor, influencing the visual expression of the brand at every level, from the new logotype to the set design.

Typography

The 'Nieuws' element of the logotype is wholly bespoke. Based on the Duplicate Ionic typeface it was redrawn for us by Commercial Type in NYC so that the height of the serif's (feet) align with the line weight of the core RTL logotype.

Maps & charts

Making the mundane memorable

Responding to the growing importance of data journalism we created a comprehensive range of map, chart and diagram styles which prioritise simplicity and clarity. Colour-coded containers support the onscreen information, with sizes and colours determined by the editorial hierarchy.