Image: APA/Georg Hochmuth
Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) did not want to speak of an agreement yet, “because negotiations with the coalition partner have not yet begun”. But she could “imagine an ORF contribution per household” against the background of the ORF’s tough austerity measures. She again emphasized that the ORF had to become significantly cheaper.
Hard austerity course planned
Several media had already reported on Raab’s preference in advance. In the past few weeks there have been several rounds of talks between the media minister and ORF general director Roland Weißmann. According to the media ministry, Weißmann will present the board of trustees with a budget path for the next few years with tough austerity measures on Monday. “Where savings are made is up to the ORF.”
Reported savings are around 300 million euros. ORF boss Roland Weißmann had warned in the autumn of the previous year of high losses in the millions due to, among other things, sharply increased costs. The state share previously levied as part of the GIS fee, which varies from state to state, should remain in place.
More speed with digital novella
Raab also announced that the digital amendment that ORF had been demanding for years should be implemented as quickly as possible. In-depth talks with the Greens are to follow soon. Specifically, the ORF wants more options in the digital space – such as offering content online-first and online-only or being able to make it available for longer than seven days.
At the end of 2023, the current form of collecting the program fee for the ORF by the GIS will expire according to the ruling of the Constitutional Court. This demands the closing of the streaming gap because it is contrary to equality.
The ORF referred to a special meeting of the Foundation Board Finance Committee on Monday. You don’t want to comment on the matter beforehand.
The NEOS, meanwhile, called for reform steps at the ORF that went beyond a possible budget levy and savings plans. “People have a right to an independent, depoliticized ORF. But this requires far-reaching reforms that go far beyond the question of financing,” said media spokeswoman Henrike Brandstötter.
Worry about ORF Sport+
Meanwhile, Sport Austria President Hans Niessl warned in a broadcast on Friday that ORF Sport + could be discontinued as part of savings plans. “Austrian sport will fight against this with all means! I have therefore arranged for an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee to be called for Thursday in order to determine how to proceed.” ORF Sport + is of great importance for maintaining the diversity of Austrian sports culture.
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I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.