Scandal around ORF: Massive violations discovered on the blue side!

Scandal around ORF: Massive violations discovered on the blue side!

The ORF is exposed to massive allegations because the "Blue Side" (ORF.AT) violated its own law. According to this law, weekly 350 contributions and a special limitation of the text length are provided. It turns out that the OÖNachrichten last March counted a total of 522 reports, which is well above the permitted number. The resulting violations were sharply criticized by various media representatives and the opposition. Henrike Brandstötter from the NEOS described the situation as a clear broken law. These allegations throw a sharp light on compliance with media laws in Austria.

The problem tightened when it became known that on May 3, 2023, 14 domestic daily newspapers remained empty in one day in protest against the planned ORF law. In this context, the Association of Austrian newspapers (VöZ) found the situation unjust because the ORF offers free information with its large editorial teams, while other media houses are dependent on paid subscriptions. Another aspect of this debate was decided on July 5, 2023, when the government parties ÖVP and Greens decided the ORF law with clear restrictions on the Internet appearance of the ORF.

reactions and statements

The ORF foundation councilor Katharina Hofer was surprised by the violations and explained that the topic was not explicitly treated in the Board of Trustees. The ORF chairman Lothar Lockl was unable to make a statement on the concrete allegations, but assured that the ORF is committed to compliance with the ORF law. Media consultant Peter Plaikner sees a serious problem in the situation because the public broadcaster violates defined laws. Gerald Grünberger, Managing Director of the Vöz, confirmed the perceptions raised and informed the ORF that the texts on the "blue side" are too long.

The Media Authority KommaUtria is responsible for checking such violations, but requires a formal complaint from those affected by those affected to be active. So far, the ORF has not given any statements on the allegations against the "blue side".

challenges in media policy

These incidents face a number of challenges in Austrian media policy. The Constitutional Court found that the previous GIS fee for Internet users is unconstitutional, which obliges the legislator to find a new regulation by the end of 2023. This decision is considered overdue and could have far -reaching consequences for the financing of the ORF and thus also for the private media landscape. Media scientist Josef Trappel speaks for a household levy that is not bound to reception devices, while media minister Susanne Raab checks various models.

Conflicts between the support for a budget levy by the Greens and Neos and the proposal of the FPÖ for a pay or subscription model illustrate the differences of opinion within the political landscape. ORF general director Roland Weißmann rejected the subscription model because he fears a loss of fees due to the streaming gap.

The current developments will certainly cause a stir in the coming months and have a lasting impact on the media landscape. The discussions about the ORF law and its application are a central topic that will significantly influence media policy in Austria.