ORF-blue side: violations of the law bring media into trouble!

ORF-blue side: violations of the law bring media into trouble!

Österreich - The ORF is faced with current allegations of having committed massive violations of the ORF law on the so-called "blue side" (orf.at). As OTS , the legal regulations provide for a weekly restriction of 350 contributions and a limitation of the text length. These regulations are intended to ensure that public service broadcasting does not intervene in the competition with private media houses.

The Upper Austrian news showed in a count that a total of 522 reports were published in March 2023 - significantly more than the permitted 350. In addition, the text length is perceived as excessive, which leads to an intensive debate about compliance with the legal requirements. Henrike Brandstötter from the Neos referred to the situation as a "clear broken law".

public reactions and criticism

The criticism not only comes from political parties, but also from media experts. Media consultant Peter Plaikner has emphasized that it is problematic if a public broadcaster violates the law. ORF chairman Lothar Lockl has known itself to comply with the ORF law, but cannot make an opinion on the specific allegations. ORF foundation councilor Katharina Hofer said her astonishment about the violations and said that the topic had not yet been explicitly treated on the Board of Trustees.

The Association of Austrian newspapers (VöZ) criticized that ORF provides free information with large editorial teams, while other media houses are dependent on digital subscriptions and paywalls. Gerald Grünberger, Managing Director of the VöZ, has made it clear to ORF that the texts on the "blue side" are too long and a revision is required.

The arguments for and against ORF law changes

The debate about the future of ORF is made against the background of the latest Constitutional Court decision regarding the GIS fee. As oe1 , Internet users have so far not have to pay any fees. This was classified as unconstitutional, and the legislator has time to find a new regulation by the end of 2023. Media scientist Josef Trappel considers a budget tax to be overdue, while media minister Susanne Raab checks various models, but rejected the budget.

Greens and Neos support this budget tax, while the FPÖ suggests a pay or subscription model. ORF general director Roland Weißmann rejects the subscription model and hopes for a decision as soon as possible. He indicates potential loss of fee due to increasing streaming use.