Roxane Knetemann made her much-anticipated return to the talk show Vandaag Inside on March 24, 2025, after an absence of 325 days. The former cyclist’s reappearance stirred mixed reactions among viewers, highlighting the dynamics of media representation.
Knetemann's last appearance on the show was on May 3, 2024, and since then, she had engaged with her primary employer, NOS, covering cycling events over the summer. During her return, she expressed her joy at being back, saying, "I always enjoy being here. I was a bit afraid that I had fallen out of favor with you." This lighthearted comment elicited a somewhat skeptical response from Johan Derksen, one of the show's hosts. "That’s not how we operate, but you’ve been busy with NOS all summer. We’re not that important to you, are we?"
In a candid moment, Knetemann clarified her commitment to the show despite her obligations to the NOS. "That you aren’t important is not true. NOS is my primary employer, but that’s because I cover cycling for them, and they have a significant stake in the sport here in the Netherlands." This statement was met with mixed acceptance by viewers. Social media reactions were predominantly critical of her return, with comments reflecting a lack of enthusiasm. One of the most liked comments from the Vandaag Inside Facebook page simply stated, "I didn’t miss her. She could have stayed away," encapsulating a sentiment echoed by several others.
Interestingly, Knetemann’s comeback comes amid a trend on the show where fewer women are invited to participate. The show had previously seen a cancellation of presenters like Olcay Gulsen. Analysts noted that the recent decisions to re-invite women like Knetemann and Angela de Jong indicate a struggle in balancing the representation of female voices in a predominantly male-led environment.
During the broadcast, presenter Wilfred Genee humorously remarked about almost forgetting Knetemann’s name, saying, “I had to search for how you are called again!” This led to laughter and a feeling of nostalgia associated with Knetemann’s previous appearances. Johan Derksen then chimed in, mentioning that Knetemann's anticipated replacement by Annemiek van Vleuten did not pan out as intended; Van Vleuten appeared only once and decided against returning. Knetemann said, "That’s a real superstar, I'm just sub-top. That’s a difference."
The dynamics within the studio reveal underlying tensions in the show’s guest selection process, showcasing that while there’s an appreciation for Knetemann’s presence, the dialogue surrounding gender representation remains complex. “We’re not particularly fond of cyclists,” Derksen noted, signaling a potential bias against sporting guests. He further raised questions about the expectations placed on female athletes when they appear in mainstream media settings.
As Knetemann continued to engage with the hosts about her experiences, she noted her thoughts on being canceled during her break from the show. “I was genuinely worried I was out of the loop with you all. I really enjoy being here,” she insisted, creating a picture of a mutually beneficial relationship between her and the program, albeit one not entirely embraced by the audience as indicated by social media backlash.
While some viewers expressed disappointment with Knetemann's reappearance, others gave her support, highlighting a divide among the audience. Comments in favor of Knetemann asserted that she should be a stable face on the show, arguing that “it’s nice that Roxane is back at VI, and I think a lot of people agree with me!”
This ongoing discussion about gender representation and the fluctuating perceptions of Knetemann reflects broader societal issues regarding how women in media are often scrutinized differently than their male counterparts. Knetemann’s attempts to draw attention to her dedication to cycling and sports reporting expose the challenges women often face in male-dominated media environments.
With her return, Knetemann not only brings back her insights into the sport but also reignites a critical conversation about the expectations placed on women in the media landscape. This, combined with her commitment to her primary role at NOS, complicates her presence on Vandaag Inside yet also underlines her willingness to navigate these challenges in a landscape that seems resistant to change.
Knetemann's re-entry into the talk show could signal a shift in how female voices are integrated into popular media but only if these discussions reflect positively on the environment for future appearances. The show, through its selection of guests and their treatment, will need to be conscious of the social dynamics at play if it hopes to retain a diverse viewership that includes varied perspectives.
As Knetemann settles back into her place, both she and the audience await to see how the production team will handle the challenges of representation and visibility for women in the televised landscape moving forward.
