ORF under fire: Avoiding critical questions about the Count's tragedy?

ORF under fire: Avoiding critical questions about the Count's tragedy?

On June 15, 2025, the ORF was criticized for its reporting on the attack at a high school in Graz. The station was sharply criticized after it broadcast several interviews with grieving young people, including underage students, without prior redaction. This reporting not only upsets the affected families, but also raises fundamental questions of media ethics. An eyewitness reported that an ORF reporter approached a visibly affected young person and held a microphone in front of him, while other journalists remained reserved.

The teenager's parents intervened to prevent an interview. While the situation in Graz was tense after the attack, heavily armed police and numerous media representatives were present in front of the cathedral, where a memorial service for the victims was taking place. Vice Chancellor and SPÖ Media Minister Andreas Babler was also critical of the actions of the media in recent days and noted that witnesses were “besieged” without specifically addressing the ORF incident. The broadcaster itself has not yet responded to a press query about these allegations.

Criticism of reporting and media ethics

The ORF's actions raise important ethical questions in journalism. The distinction between public interest and personal privacy is a challenge that journalists often have to overcome. Although the press code provides guidance, it is not binding. Journalists have a responsibility to provide information for the benefit of the public while respecting human dignity. Sensational reporting can seriously undermine trust in the media and blur the line between ethical journalism and commercialism. Medienambassador.de emphasizes that freedom of the press is not absolute and is tied to the rights and dignity of those affected.

In the current debate, the role of Andreas Babler, who acts in a three-party coalition, is becoming increasingly relevant. The 52-year-old has joined the SPÖ after succeeding Pamela Rendi-Wagner as party leader in 2023. His connection to social democracy comes from founding roots in Traiskirchen, where Babler became known as mayor. In this position, he advocated for social measures and won the hearts of voters. As Vice-Chancellor, he is responsible for housing, arts, culture, media and sport.

Babler is known for his critical views on the EU and describes himself as a Marxist. He often emphasizes that he comes “from below” and stands up for those “at the bottom” in society. This positioning is visible in his politics, particularly through the focus on affordable housing as a central issue in the election campaign. As current events show, Babler and the media are in a tension that raises both political and ethical concerns.

This debate highlights the importance of balanced reporting that respects both public perception and the privacy of those affected. The case in Graz could therefore serve as an example for the necessary discussions about media ethics and the responsible use of information in critical times.

ORF has not yet issued a statement on the allegations, which could further increase concerns about media coverage. Future steps in reporting must now be carefully considered in order to protect the public interest on the one hand and to protect personal rights on the other.