ORF denies report on shutting down regional transmitters

Austrian broadcaster ORF has strongly denied a report by the newspaper "Kronen Zeitung" alleging that it is shutting down local transmitters for terrestrial reception. The newspaper had claimed that "64,000 fee-paying customers" would lose their service, a figure ORF has labeled a "false report."

ORF clarified that the measure involves deactivating "small transmission facilities" as part of cost-saving efforts. According to the broadcaster, this action is expected to save approximately 1.5 million Euros. However, ORF emphasized that the number of affected households is very small, numbering only "a few hundred."

The broadcaster further stressed that this decision will not compromise its overall network coverage, which currently stands at 99 percent. The move appears to be a targeted reduction in services to optimize resource allocation, rather than a widespread shutdown of terrestrial broadcasting.

The "Kronen Zeitung" report, which ran with the headline "New Scandal! ORF switches off for 64,000 fee-paying customers," has been met with a firm rebuttal from ORF. The broadcaster's response aims to correct the public perception and provide accurate information regarding the scope and impact of the transmitter deactivations.