More audience, less politics: SPÖ demands ORF reform!

More audience, less politics: SPÖ demands ORF reform!

Wien, Österreich - On March 25, 2025, SPÖ media spokesman Klaus Rachheim pointed out the need for a reform of the committees of the Austrian Radio (ORF). According to rare home, the ORF is of central importance for the media location of Austria. The planned reform is to be decided in the Constitutional Committee on the implementation of the VfGH judgment on time. In particular, rare home criticized the Greens, who in his view had 1.5 years to implement the judgment, but did not do so and thus delay the reform.

An important aspect of the reform is the restructuring of the composition of the Board of Trustees. In the future, only six people will be sent to the council by the federal government and nine by the public. This aims to grant the audience more influence and at the same time reduce political influence. Rare home also emphasized that after a change of government, the boarding councils should no longer be easily replaced, which should further strengthen the independence of the ORF.

criticism of political influence

RASTHEIM also critically commented on the activities of the FPÖ, which in his opinion endanger independent media and wanted to promote radical right-wing online media. The SPÖ confirmed its commitment to a diverse and independent media landscape as well as a strong, objective ORF. The question of financial means also plays a central role in these discussions. The ORF contribution should not be increased by at least 2029 to protect the economy.

media policy and the role of the ORF

Matthias Karmasin, media scientist, criticized the current negotiations on media policy as a forget -for -future and demanded a fundamental discussion about the goals of the media system. New standards should be set to promote added value in Austria and independent journalism.

In the coalition negotiations, the NEOS shows itself as a reform engine that strives for a drastic reform of the ORF. Media spokeswoman Henrike Brandstötter calls for a reform of the advertising system and better media promotion. In the meantime, the Vienna City Technology Court indicates the lack of transparency in the advertising expenditure.

The editor of the "Falter", Armin Thurnher, warned that democracy was endangered by spreading disinformation on social media. He emphasizes the role of ORF as a protective shield against toxic media. The Association of Austrian Newspapers (VöZ) also calls for more financial support for publishers and a clearer defined order for public service broadcasting in the digital area. Vöz President Maximilian Dasch also calls for a quality bonus for newspapers to secure independence.

Overall, the reform of the ORF bodies remains a central and controversial topic in the current discussions of Austrian media policy, since the current influence of the federal government is perceived as too great. While the SPÖ and ÖVP react reluctantly to comprehensive reforms, it remains to be seen how the debates will develop.

For more information, read more on OTS and OE1 .