ORF appointment challenged: Westenthaler files complaint against Pig

Peter Westenthaler, a member of the ORF Foundation Council nominated by the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), has officially lodged a popular complaint with the media authority KommAustria regarding the appointment of Clemens Pig as the new ORF Director General. Westenthaler announced Tuesday that the complaint is backed by 360 ORF contributors, exceeding the minimum requirement of 120 individuals.

The 43-page complaint contends that Pig does not possess the necessary professional experience stipulated in the job application. Specifically, it highlights a lack of relevant radio or television experience, despite Pig citing the development of the Austria video platform in his application materials. Westenthaler, with legal expertise from fellow FPÖ-nominated council member Christoph Urtz, also criticizes the brevity of the selection process, noting that applications were due May 28 and the decision was made on June 11, with 75 candidates applying.

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The 43-page popular complaint was filed by Westenthaler, who was delegated to the highest ORF body by the FPÖ. His fellow foundation council member Christoph Urtz, also delegated by the FPÖ, formulated it with his legal expertise.

The complaint further asserts that the selection process failed to meet the requirements of the new European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which mandates a transparent, open, effective, and non-discriminatory procedure. It argues that Pig was not appointed based on objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate criteria.

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Pig was obviously chosen for political reasons due to a politically agreed-upon appointment through the ÖVP and SPÖ circles.

Westenthaler expressed his belief that Pig's appointment was predetermined by a political agreement among foundation council members aligned with the ruling parties. He referenced a public statement by then-ÖVP General Secretary Nico Marchetti supporting Pig's candidacy. The complaint explicitly states that Pig was "obviously chosen for political reasons due to a politically agreed-upon appointment through the ÖVP and SPÖ circles."

Additionally, Westenthaler announced plans for another complaint targeting the appointment of the 13 ORF directors. FPÖ media spokesperson Christian Hafenecker characterized the situation as a "staging," suggesting that Pig's chosen director team, set to begin in 2027, primarily serves the ÖVP, while anticipating a "red bias" in the editorial leadership.

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This is a staging, and with his director team appointed on August 11 and starting in 2027, he is completely serving the ÖVP. I expect a red bias in the editor-in-chief positions.