My Brussels: Jeroen Roppe, head of strategy and communication at Bruzz

Jeroen Roppe has found his perfect job, sharing his passion for Brussels every day with listeners on Bruzz. Two years ago, he led the merger of FM Brussel, TV Brussel and newspaper Brussel Deze Week under a new common name, with the aim of appealing to more than just the city’s Dutch-speakers. The Bulletin caught up with him at Bruzz’s Flagey studios to discuss media, multiculturalism and why Molenbeek is the place to be.

Tell us about your journey

I’m from Hasselt and I came to Brussels when I was 18 to study philology – Dutch and English literature and linguistics – at what was then the KUB in Koekelberg. My wife, Magaly, is from Ecuador and is a professor at KU Leuven. We met through the radio. I was looking for a Latin American guest for an international show I presented, and a friend introduced me to her.

Many people leave Brussels the moment they have children, but that never crossed our minds. Our son is now eight. We speak Dutch, Magaly speaks Spanish with him, and most of his friends are French-speaking. So he’s being brought up in three languages, which is an enormous asset.

How did you end up in this job?

In 1996, my last year at university, I saw a job ad for the Flemish radio station Studio Brussel. I was hired and there I had the chance to do everything, from reporting the news to a house and techno show. Seven years later, a small student radio station, FM Brussel, needed a coordinator. They had won a licence to become a real city radio station and appeal to a bigger audience. For me it was the perfect job. We threw some big parties here at Flagey, which were a real highlight. I remember there was one where thousands were waiting to get in – people were throwing their passes out of the window for others to use.

In 2015, the board decided to close the station. It was a very unhappy decision, in the way it was made and communicated. The protest against the decision was reassuring. It proved that FM Brussel meant something to many people and that it had an impact on the city. It was clear that the people who made the decision were shocked by the response. [They changed their mind.]

What have been your private and professional challenges?

2015 was an awful period, a real nightmare. I really believed in collaboration between our different media – TV, print, online and radio – and that we would become better under one brand. I was convinced that was the right way, and I had the challenge of managing and leading the new organisation, which we named Bruzz.

The plan was that everybody who works here should be involved; that was the only way. Everybody felt that they were being heard. We are still a very young organisation and we have to adapt. Media is changing constantly. There are several things that could be better, but I think what we’ve achieved in two years is quite impressive. The name Bruzz is known by most people living in Brussels, after just a short time.

What does Brussels mean to you?

I’ve always been a Brussels fan. Growing up in Hasselt, I visited relatives here and I was attracted to the city. For me it’s the one and only unique big city in Belgium. I’m somebody who likes the richer, greener parts of Brussels as well as the rougher, populated parts. It’s as intriguing to me now as it has always has been, but when I compare Brussels today to 20 years ago it’s a completely different city. The population has changed, and that changes the mood in the city, it changes the way people think, it changes the projects that are created. The city is ever-evolving and I find that fascinating.

Jeroen's best of Brussels

Stade Joseph-Marien
I love the city’s old football grounds. If there’s one place you should discover it’s the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise stadium in Duden Park in Forest. It’s in a beautiful area connecting upper and lower Brussels, with Art Nouveau and Art Deco houses. Chaussée de Bruxelles, Forest

Molenbeek
I live in a converted factory in Molenbeek. It’s very well-located, in the centre of the city, with very easy public transport and lots of metro stations. I love the crowded streets, the action. For me, that’s city life.

Promenade du Chemin de Fer Woluwé-Auderghem
I escape to the greener areas to do my jogging – mostly in the Neerpede park in Anderlecht or the Sonian Forest. But one of the most beautiful places to jog is along the old railway line from Delta to Stockel and back.

Bel Mundo
A restaurant in an old brewery, and a social enterprise providing work for people who are long-term unemployed. 41 Quai du Hainaut, MolenbeekSaint-Jean

Hortense & Humus
Gastronomy is my main hobby, and in Brussels we’re spoilt. There are so many new culinary initiatives and interesting restaurants. This place is not far from my office at Flagey and sells 100% organic and seasonal cuisine. 2 Rue de Vergnies, Ixelles

La Belle Maraîchère
It’s an institution: a traditional restaurant selling the best croquettes aux crevettes in the world. 11 Place Sainte-Catherine, Brussels

This article first appeared in The Bulletin Spring 2018