ORF to challenge government funding cuts with constitutional complaint

The Austrian public broadcaster ORF is preparing to fight a significant funding cut of around 90 million euros annually, a move Director General Ingrid Thurnher deems a threat to the organization's "very foundations."

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an incision that shakes the very foundations of ORF.

Thurnher announced on Thursday that ORF will file a constitutional complaint against the government's decision, which is set to take effect in 2027. She stated that the cuts would prevent ORF from covering the costs associated with its public service mandate for the years 2027 to 2029. This legal challenge, already coordinated with the incoming ORF chief Clemens Pig, is considered the first step in averting the financial blow.

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the costs of the public service mandate are not covered.

The government's decision involves eliminating the federal reimbursement for the VAT deduction that ORF previously received. While ORF will be allowed to access more funds from a "blocked account" and the cap on its income from the ORF contribution will be raised, the contribution itself remains frozen at 15.30 euros. Thurnher dismissed any possibility of a fee increase, directly contradicting earlier statements from ORF Foundation Board member Peter Westenthaler, who suggested a "struggle" for a household fee hike if other savings measures failed. Thurnher labeled Westenthaler's remarks as a "blatant breach of confidentiality" and the spread of misinformation.

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immediately put into action

Adding to the internal turmoil, Gregor Schütze, the deputy chairman of the ORF Foundation Board, resigned from his position. Schütze cited a desire to refocus on his businesses, while also noting that "important decisions" had been made under his leadership, ushering in a "new era" for the broadcaster.

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incredibly short notice