Maurer warns: ORF reform is step back into the political chaos!

Maurer warns: ORF reform is step back into the political chaos!

Wien, Österreich - On March 23, 2025, the media spokeswoman and deputy club chairwoman of the Greens, Sigi Maurer, made it clear that she is disappointed by Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler from the recent announcements on ORF. Maurer criticizes the plans and describes them as a step backwards, which ensures the political influence of the government parties red and black on ORF. In her opinion, she realizes that the reform does not reduce the influence of the government, but only shifts.

At the moment, nine ORF foundation councils have been nominated directly by the government, this proportion is said to fall to six. However, nine other members will continue to be nominated indirectly through the public council, which means that the total number of government nominated remains at 15. This does not correspond to the requirements of the Constitutional Court, Maurer continues. Their criticism is also directed against the NEOS, which in their opinion come to terms with this reform, even though they had previously campaigned for comprehensive reforms in the opposition.

Criticism of the savings pressure and the ORF contribution

Another point of Maurer's concern is the high level of savings on the ORF and freezing the ORF contribution until 2029. In this context, the Greens have submitted an application for a comprehensive committee reform. This provides for a reduction in the board of trustees and the possibility of secret votes. The application is currently being discussed together with the government application in the Constitutional Committee. Maurer appeals to the government parties to implement a real reform that grants the ORF more independence.

parallel to the discussions about the committee reform are worried about the financial situation of the classic media. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig already pointed out that advertising expenditure of up to 2.5 billion euros could flow to international internet giants in 2024. This sum significantly exceeds the advertising revenues of classic media in Austria. In this context, Ludwig appeals to the coalition negotiators of the NEOS not only to negotiate beyond the status quo.

claims for a fundamental reform

media experts like Matthias Karmasin are calling for a fundamental discussion about the goals of the media system in Austria to promote values such as independent journalism and local added value. The NEOS throw themselves into the race as a reform engine and are committed to drastic changes to the ORF. Henrike Brandstötter, media spokeswoman for the NEOS, calls for a reform of the advertising system of the public sector and an improvement in media funding.

The Vienna City Colding Court has also criticized the PID press and information service for a lack of transparency for advertising expenditure. Armin Thurnher, editor of the "Falter", warns of the dangers that disinformation brings with it in social media and emphasizes the important role of public service broadcasting as a bulwark against such developments.

Overall, it can be said that the current situation brings many challenges. The pressure on the reform is high, but real changes seem to be waiting so far. The article by OTS describes the situation from the perspective of the Greens, while further information from Ö1 show the broad spectrum of current media policy.