Local public service media organisations must apply for a public broadcast license at the Media Regulator. They can obtain a public broadcast license for a period of five years. After 5 years they need to apply for a new license, but at the same time other organisations can also apply. In case of more than one applicant the Media Authority will ask the local council for advice on which applicant best meets the needs of the municipality. The municipality may appoint a scout to investigate whether the candidates can submit a joint application. In 2017 I was assigned by the council of Rotterdam and by the council of Utrecht to do this job