Revolution in ORF: government reduces influence and reforms committees!

Revolution in ORF: government reduces influence and reforms committees!

Österreich - The Austrian federal government decided on April 1, 2025, a comprehensive reform of the ORF (Austrian radio), which aims to push back the government's influence on public service broadcasting. This was determined in a new law, which, among other things, freezes the amount of the ORF contribution by 2029. According to the report of oe24 also includes a significant restructuring of the committees that are responsible for the management of the ORF.

A central element of the reform is the reduction of the foundation councils from nine to six so far, which will be appointed by the federal government in the future. These boarding councils must previously be checked for their professional qualifications and a balance in terms of political affiliations. The search for interested parties for these positions is publicly advertised to ensure more transparency. At the same time, the ORF public council is increased by six to nine members.

Changes to the committee structure

The number of members in the public council is reduced to 28. Of these, 14 members of the government and 14 of various defined bodies must be determined. In the previous model there were still 17 from the government and 13 from other places. The upcoming restructuring is raising questions, especially with regard to the future management of the ORF committee, the chair of which has not yet been discussed.

Another topic within the reform is the existing political interdependencies of the foundation councils. The current report illustrates that many of these councils are organized in party political circles ". So far, the ÖVP-related councils have had a majority, but the reform could result in a shift in favor of the SPÖ-related "friends of friends", while the influence of the turquoise councils decreases.

Legal framework of the radio in Austria

The reform takes place within the framework of the legal framework that is anchored in the constitution. According to the Federal Chancellery regulates Article 9 of the Federal Consolidation Act (B-VG) The postal and telecommunications and stipulates that radio is to be regarded as a "public task". This includes the explanation of the independence of the radio and the guarantee of objectivity, impartiality, diversity of opinion and program.

The Constitutional Court makes it clear that it is only possible for the exercise of radio on the basis of federal law authorizations. These innovations aim to secure the integrity of the radio in Austria and ensure that the media diversity and quality will continue to be guaranteed in the future.