Despite austerity measures, ORF receives up to 35 million euros!

Despite austerity measures, ORF receives up to 35 million euros!

The Austrian Rundfunk (ORF) will be able to use up to 35 million euros from 2027, which is surprising despite the planned savings. This decision is anchored in the context of the new Budget Gesinance Act (BBG), which enables ORF to use funds above the previous income limit of 710 million euros. According to the [vienna.at] (https://www.vienna.at/trotz-sparplaenen-orf-darf-zu- 35-million-euro-Nutzen/9402743), these additional funds may be used up to and including 2029, with use to strict editions.

A previously applicable regulation that provided for contributions that exceed the limit of 710 million euros must be paid into a blocking account for the next three years. However, the ORF must ensure that it acts "economical, economically and functional" and ensures the continuation of important programs such as ORF III, ORF Sport+ and the Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO). The RSO has to do without up to ten million euros.

reform and control in the ORF

in parallel to this financial relaxation, there is a fundamental reform. The number of the government council appointed by the government: inside is reduced from nine to six. The public council receives more weight in the 35-member body. The aim of these measures, according to parlament.gv.at in June, is the strengthening of the independence of the ORF. Vice -Chancellor Andreas Babler expressed a positive statement in the constitutional committee about the necessary changes, which, however, are viewed critically by the opposition, represented by the FPÖ and the Greens.

media experts express concerns about the efficiency of the planned austerity measures. BABLER emphasizes that the Court of Auditors and the Board of Trustees will exercise extensive control over the use of funds, which should strengthen the supervision.

public service broadcasting in Europe

In European comparison, there are different approaches to financing public service broadcasting. In January 2019, Denmark abolished the fee model and replaced by income -dependent tax financing, which reduces the budget of Danmark's radio by 20 %. In Germany, too, public service broadcasting is financed by fees that must be paid by every household, a model that is constitutionally.

Italy, on the other hand, is exposed to political power struggles, whereby reform proposals aim to transform the RAI into a kind of "Italian Netflix". This procedure arises that the RAI is weakened in its role as a program designer in view of its function as a public service broadcast. In Switzerland, a popular initiative for the abolition of broadcasting fees was rejected with 71.6 % and instead a new device-independent tax was introduced, which continues to ensure a stable financing basis for public service broadcasting.