Despite austerity measures, ORF will receive up to an additional 35 million euros!

Despite austerity measures, ORF will receive up to an additional 35 million euros!

Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) will be allowed to use up to an additional 35 million euros from 2027, which comes as a surprise despite the planned savings. This decision is anchored in the framework of the new Budget Accompanying Act (BBG), which allows the ORF to use funds above the previous revenue limit of 710 million euros. According to the Vienna.at, these additional funds may be used up to and including 2029, although their use is subject to strict conditions.

A previously applicable regulation, which stipulated that contribution income that exceeded the limit of 710 million euros had to be paid into a blocked account, will be relaxed for the next three years. However, the ORF must ensure that it acts “economically, economically and expediently” and ensures the continuation of important programs such as ORF III, ORF Sport+ and the Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO). The RSO has to forego up to ten million euros.

Reform and control in the ORF

In parallel to this financial relaxation, a fundamental reform is pending. The number of trustees appointed by the government will be reduced from nine to six. The public council is given more weight in the 35-member committee. The aim of these measures, which according to parlament.gv.at are to be reconstituted in June, is to strengthen the independence of the ORF. Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler spoke positively about the necessary changes in the Constitutional Committee, which, however, are viewed critically by the opposition, represented by the FPÖ and the Greens.

Media experts express concerns about the effectiveness of the planned austerity measures. Babler emphasizes that the Court of Auditors and the Board of Trustees will exercise comprehensive control over the use of funds, which should strengthen supervision.

Public broadcasting in Europe

A European comparison shows different approaches to financing public broadcasting. In January 2019, Denmark abolished the fee model and replaced it with income-related tax financing, cutting Danmarks Radio's budget by 20%. In Germany, too, public broadcasting is financed by fees that must be paid by every household, a model that, according to parlament.gv.at, is constitutional following a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court.

Italy, on the other hand, is facing political infighting, with reform proposals aiming to transform the RAI into a kind of “Italian Netflix”. This approach raises concerns that the RAI will be weakened in its role as a program designer given its function as a public broadcaster. In Switzerland, a popular initiative to abolish broadcasting fees was rejected by 71.6% and instead a new device-independent levy was introduced, which continues to ensure a stable financing basis for public broadcasting.