ORF Contribution Actually Constitutional: Board of Trustees Praises "Groundbreaking Ruling"

ORF Foundation Board Chairman Heinz Lederer sees the decision of the Constitutional Court (VfGH) on the ORF fee, published on Tuesday, as a "groundbreaking finding." It has been clarified that the 15.30 euros per month and household are to be regarded as a "democracy contribution" and that secured financing of the ORF must be ensured. "I am confident that the federal government will analyze the finding thoroughly," Lederer told the APA.

ORF Fee Rated as Constitutional by VfGH

The VfGH determined that the ORF fee is constitutional and not discriminatory. The principle of equality does not require that the fee be linked to the actual consumption of the ORF offer, it was stated. The highest court also emphasized that it is in the overall societal interest for broadcasting to fulfill its special democratic and cultural role.

Foundation Board Defends Regional Studios: "Backbone of Broadcasting"

"Our representative democratic model must be supported by public broadcasting in the full breadth of its public service mandate," interpreted Lederer the finding and advocated for a "comprehensive preservation" of the ORF offer. For example, the ORF regional studios, which are repeatedly up for debate, are a "backbone of broadcasting," as can be seen not least in the aftermath of the rampage in Graz or after various weather disasters.

"Despite all the willingness to save that ORF has shown for years, I expect the federal government to also see that the Constitutional Court has made it clear that ORF financing must be ensured," said Lederer. This year, the federal government froze the ORF fee at 15.30 euros per household per month until 2029 with a legislative amendment. As a result, ORF must once again put together a savings package in the three-digit million range after a high need for savings in previous years, as ORF chief Roland Weißmann confirmed in June.

SPÖ welcomes the ruling: "invaluable contribution" of ORF

"The ruling of the Constitutional Court is a clear confirmation of the fundamental importance and legitimacy of ORF financing through the ORF fee," stated SPÖ media spokesperson Klaus Seltenheim in a press release. ORF makes an "invaluable contribution to public opinion formation in Austria," said the politician, warning of the erosion of independent media in light of international developments: "Especially in times of fake news, disinformation, and political pressure on critical reporting, we need a strong, independent media landscape more than ever - with serious private media and a strong public service offering."

FPÖ rails against Constitutional Court

FPÖ media spokesperson Christian Hafenecker described the argumentation of the Constitutional Court in a press release as "absurd" and insisted that the change from the device-linked GIS fee to the ORF fee in the form of a household levy, once decided by ÖVP and the Greens, is a "pure legislative botch at the expense of Austrians."

(APA/Red)

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