Simone Stribl on Moderating 'Summer Talks': 'Nothing Can Knock Me Down Now'

Simone Stribl, an interior politics journalist for ORF for 18 years, has accepted the role of moderating the "Sommergespräche" (Summer Talks), a prominent Austrian interview series. She initially created a pros and cons list for the opportunity, weighing the significant career chance against the intense personal investment and public scrutiny required.

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On the pro list was that it's a great opportunity. I've been an interior politics journalist at ORF for 18 years. I enjoy doing interviews, and this is a big stage for it. You can't really say no.

Stribl acknowledges the proliferation of political interviews and social media engagement by politicians but emphasizes the enduring relevance of the "Sommergespräche." She notes that the program serves as a mandatory platform for politicians to address all pressing issues, especially during the summer months when they are typically less accessible. The format, held at the ORF Center for cost-saving reasons, will focus on substantive policy discussions, a shift from the previous year's focus on political alignments.

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They are a fixture where politicians definitely have to take a stand on all issues. And they fill a gap: In the summer, politicians are often not so accessible. Everyone always comes to the 'Summer Talks'. This shows that the program still has great relevance.

Reflecting on her previous experience moderating the "Sommergespräche" in 2020, Stribl stated she has evolved as a journalist and person. While she doesn't intend to replicate her past approach, she will draw on her recent work. She recalled the intense public reaction and criticism she faced on social media after the 2020 interviews, an experience that overwhelmed her at the time but has since shaped her perspective.

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My approach is that I treat everyone equally, without prejudice. I ask about the topics where I think we might not even know how the person feels about them.