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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Culture & Society

ORF Public Council Chair Defends Against 'Defamation' Like 'Board of Horrors'

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The new chair of the ORF Public Council, Gabriele Zgubic-Engleder, is pushing back against what she calls "defamations" of ORF's governing bodies.
  • She stated that the upcoming appointment of the next ORF Director General will proceed legally, in accordance with the European Media Freedom Act.
  • Zgubic-Engleder is also a member of the Foundation Council, which is responsible for selecting the Director General.

Gabriele Zgubic-Engleder, the newly appointed chair of the ORF Public Council, has strongly refuted what she terms "defamations" directed at the Austrian public broadcaster's governing bodies. Zgubic-Engleder is actively defending the integrity of these institutions against critical labels, such as "board of horrors."

Speaking on Wednesday during a session of the Public Council, Zgubic-Engleder assured that the forthcoming appointment of the next ORF Director General, who will serve from 2027 onwards, will be conducted in strict adherence to legal procedures. She emphasized that the process aligns with the provisions outlined in the European Media Freedom Act.

Zgubic-Engleder herself holds a dual role, also serving as a member of the Foundation Council. This council holds the ultimate responsibility for selecting the next Director General. Her firm stance aims to counter negative perceptions and ensure transparency in the appointment process.

The appointment will proceed legally, as provided for in the European Media Freedom Act.

โ€” Gabriele Zgubic-EnglederThe chair of the ORF Public Council explained the legal framework for the upcoming Director General selection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.