"We will continue to invest in the program," said ORF Director General Roland Weißmann following the meeting of the ORF Foundation Council. There is no longer a "hostage list" on which ORF III, FM4, or the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra (RSO) repeatedly appeared. "All programs that make up the ORF will continue to be offered as before," said Weißmann. Only regarding the RSO did he refrain from making a definitive statement. Discussions are ongoing with those responsible, but efforts are being made to preserve it.

ORF Chief Weißmann Does Not Want to Make "Golden Handshake" Offers

In parallel with program investments, "different" measures are being taken to meet the savings requirement. In response to an APA inquiry, he said that staff reductions are not necessary from today's perspective. "However, we will be very restrictive in replacements and will offer a 'handshake' offer - not a 'golden handshake' offer - to employees in the middle of the year," announced Weißmann. Foundation Council Chairman Lothar Lockl appreciated that the ORF's program innovations were being accepted. Digitalization is being advanced, and the ORF has improved its cost structures, creating new leeway. He considered it important to continue saving on structures, not on the program. "People pay for the program," he reminded.

Thomas Zach, head of the ÖVP-affiliated "circle of friends," spoke of a "certainly difficult exercise" to increase efficiency while continuing to fulfill the public service mandate. Since the ORF mandate is unlikely to fundamentally change, planning can already begin. He advised against an "ostrich policy." Heinz Lederer, speaking for the SPÖ-affiliated "circle of friends," recommended that the ORF management conduct a "focused study" of the government program and not just "stare" at the ORF fee. It is of central importance for the ORF to enter into partnerships. This could reduce costs and convey that there is a united, crisis-proof media market. Large international platforms should not find a "defenseless battleground," he warned.

ORF Entrance Area to Receive Modern Visitor Center

Amid the savings debate, some foundation council members were also concerned about whether a renovation of the entrance area to the ORF center, including a new porter’s lodge, was really necessary. Foundation council member Peter Westenthaler, sent by the FPÖ, stated that investments amounting to eight million euros were "not necessary." The ORF's austerity course would thus be rendered absurd. Westenthaler's motion against the construction was "overwhelmingly rejected," explained Zach. The renovation is part of the entire site project, which has been ongoing for years and is on schedule and within budget. "It is a shame that attempts are repeatedly made to drag topics into the public eye to embellish them with a populist approach and thus harm the company," said Zach, adding: "We are a supervisory board, not a populism board." The ORF also responded to the debate, stating that the media campus project, which remained on schedule and within budget despite price increases of up to 30 percent, is nearing completion. Finally, the entire entrance area is to be renovated - including a modern security center and a contemporary visitor center for 120,000 visitors annually. The costs for this would remain within the approved budget.

ORF Committee Reform Brings Changes

It was probably the last foundation council meeting before a (smaller) ORF committee reform is implemented by the federal government, which may bring a reconstitution. Planned as a response to a Constitutional Court ruling, the federal government will in the future send six (instead of nine) people to the top ORF committees, with a public tender and new qualification requirements to be conducted. In return, nine (instead of six) people from the ranks of the ORF audience council will be represented on the foundation council. Negotiations on the necessary committee reform are not yet concluded. In a meeting of the National Council's Constitutional Committee, Chairwoman Muna Duzdar (SPÖ) said on Thursday that the governing parties are aware of the urgency and are striving for a timely solution.

In the June meeting, several new foundation council members and thus also power balances are expected, as at least the federal government, parliamentary parties, and the recently elected ORF central works council are likely to send new people. Lockl did not want to commit on Thursday whether he would still like to be represented in the top ORF committee - possibly even as chairman. However, he emphasized that there is a desire from some foundation council members to quickly replace the six representatives of the parliamentary parties. This would be beneficial to the functioning, said Lockl. It is expected that the ÖVP "circle of friends," which currently comes to a majority with independent foundation council members close to it, will shrink. There will also be fewer council members close to the Greens in the top ORF committee in the future. The SPÖ "circle of friends" will grow, and NEOS and FPÖ will also send more people than before.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.