Karel Smouter

Karel Smouter is a seasoned journalist and editor with a comprehensive background in media and academia. Currently serving as Hoofdredacteur at Trouw since May 2024, Karel has previously held the position of Redacteur at NRC from September 2019 to May 2024, where the focus was on societal discontent and the implications of increasing secularization in the Netherlands. Karel also has experience as Chef of Media at NRC, Correspondent for Oost-Nederland, and roles at De Correspondent, including Correspondent Migration, Religion & Human Rights and Deputy Editor in Chief. Earlier, Karel worked as Editor-in-chief at De Nieuwe Koers and co-authored 'Eenmaal Oranje' at Atlas Contact. Karel's educational background includes a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Theology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, alongside entrepreneurial ventures in publishing and events.