Antwerp Court of Appeal becomes first courthouse in Europe with its own podcast studio
The Antwerp Court of Appeal has launched its own studio for recording the podcast Gewikt en Gewogen (“Considered and Weighed”). With this initiative, the courts and tribunals of the Antwerp-Limburg jurisdiction aim to bring justice closer to the public.
“That seems to be working, as we’ve currently reached our seven thousandth stream of an episode,” said Luc De Cleir, spokesperson for the Antwerp-Limburg jurisdiction.
"“The rule of law needs a debate about justice to survive"
The podcast was launched on 23 March to inform citizens about the justice system. According to De Cleir, the step reflects a broader trend in judicial communication. “The rule of law needs a debate about justice to survive. Those involved in justice are not just spectators; they have a significant responsibility to inform and involve all members of society,” he says.
Social topics and current events
The Antwerp-Limburg courts have already established joint social media platforms and developed a uniform digital and press guideline, to be presented soon. But De Cleir highlights that the podcast goes further: “It addresses socially relevant topics and explores current events.”
A new episode is released every two weeks, alternating with shorter current affairs editions. Sixteen episodes of Gewikt en Gewogen are currently available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and other platforms via RSS feed, with more in production.
The court has also invested in a dedicated podcast studio. According to De Cleir, this is a unique step in the European judicial landscape, making Antwerp the first courthouse in Europe to house its own podcast facility.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO ROBERT MICHAEL / DPA
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