ORF editorial board warns of the threat of destruction of the broadcaster
On Thursday, during coalition negotiations between the FPÖ (Austrian Freedom Party) and the ÖVP (Austrian People's Party), the issues of media reforms were discussed for the first time. The FPÖ expressed its intention to cancel the mandatory contribution to the financing of ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Company) and switch to financing from the state budget with significant cost cuts. The ORF editorial board expressed serious concern about this move.
Concerns of the editorial board
The ORF editorial board sees these intentions as an attempt to financially destroy the broadcaster.
«ORF will be exhausted, forced to cut programs and reorganized in accordance with the interests of the FPÖ», – the board representatives stated.
FPÖ has long criticized ORF, calling it a «government» or «state» television, and is now trying to subordinate the company to the control of the ruling coalition. In particular, the party seeks to ensure influence through guardians in the governing bodies of the broadcaster.
The editorial board warns that FPÖ intends to direct budget funds to media loyal to the party, which, in their opinion, could lead to an increase in propaganda. In times of active disinformation, high-quality and independent media are extremely important for democracy, ORF representatives emphasize. They warn that the destruction of the company would have irreversible consequences, and 600 employees could be at risk, including 40% – journalists.
The importance of ORF for society
To underline the importance of ORF, the editorial board listed the company's key achievements. For a monthly subscription of 15.30 euros, ORF offers a rich program on television, radio, online and in streaming, covering news, sports, culture and entertainment. Around 300,000 low-income households are exempt from paying this contribution.
A significant part of the ORF budget is also allocated to supporting local industries:
- 100 million euros for the development of Austrian cinema;
- 120 million euros for national culture;
- 120 million euros for supporting local sports.
The reaction of the far-right FPÖ
FPÖ Secretary General and Media Spokesperson Christian Hafenecker considers the ORF reform to be completely legitimate and one that will be supported by the voters. He stated:
«FPÖ recognizes media pluralism, freedom of the press and opinion. The abolition of the contribution and the reform of public television – are legitimate measures that will be approved by the voters».
In response to criticism from the editorial board, Hafenecker responded that this was «left-wing populism far from reality». The politician stressed that in a parliamentary democracy, it is the voters, not the editorial board or other bodies, who determine the direction of the country.
The situation surrounding ORF is raising serious debates about media freedom and the financing of public broadcasting. The editorial board calls on society to protect independent media, as their loss could have far-reaching consequences for democracy in Austria.