Austrian politician has 'fewer sleepless nights' over ORF cuts than social welfare reductions

Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) media spokesperson Nico Marchetti has downplayed concerns about potential funding cuts to the public broadcaster ORF. He stated that he experiences "fewer sleepless nights" over a possible reduction of 70 to 90 million euros in federal subsidies to ORF than he would over cuts to universities or social welfare programs.

Marchetti's remarks were a direct response to warnings issued by ORF General Director Ingrid Thurnher. She cautioned that short-term funding reductions, expected to begin in 2027, would be noticeable to the public in ORF's programming. The ÖVP, however, appears to prioritize other areas of public spending.

During a forum for private broadcasters, Marchetti also expressed support for extending digital transformation funding. He further announced that a solution for delivery subsidies would be forthcoming "soon." The ÖVP's stance suggests a complex negotiation ahead regarding the future funding and role of public broadcasting in Austria.