Roland Weißmann, general director of ORF, set up an evaluation committee after serious accusations against ORF Lower Austrian state director Robert Ziegler from his time as editor-in-chief became known on Friday evening. The committee will start work this week. With this, Weißmann does not meet the requirements of the ORF editors for a suspension of Ziegler.
The committee is led by Gerhard Draxler, former ORF information director and state director of Styria. Also on board are Martin Schauer, emeritus professor of civil law, Edgar Weinzettl, director of the ORF regional studio in Vienna, Pia Scheck-Kollmann, ORF compliance officer and ORF personal attorney Elma Osmanovic. In a broadcast, the ORF assumed that the file with allegations circulating in various media would also be made available to the Commission. It was also emphasized that editorial responsibility for state studio coverage no longer rests with state director Ziegler.
Allegation of reporting near the ÖVP
The ORF editors had previously demanded Ziegler’s immediate suspension from ORF boss Roland Weißmann, and that an “impeachable person” take over. According to internal chats and emails from the ORF state studio in Lower Austria, Ziegler is said to have repeatedly requested reports that portrayed the People’s Party of Lower Austria in a positive light. For example, he would have campaigned massively for the TV presence of state governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP). Ziegler himself speaks of “vague and incomprehensible accusations”.
Lothar Lockl, chair of the ORF board of trustees, called for a “comprehensive investigation” of the allegations. Because reporting independence is a cornerstone of the ORF. He considers the appointment of the committee correct. According to Lockl, however, this had to come to a conclusion quickly. Heinz Lederer, head of the SPÖ “Freundeskreis” in the ORF supervisory board, also supports the committee of inquiry. He called for maximum transparency in the processing, rapid analysis and submission of the report in February.
States are in charge
At Weißmann’s suggestion, Ziegler was appointed state director by the 35 ORF foundation councils. Under the ORF law, the board of directors can also fire Ziegler at Weissmann’s suggestion. However, a declaration from the country concerned would have to be obtained for this.
Helga Krismer, spokeswoman for the Lower Austrian Greens, wrote an “open letter” to Weißmann. The allegations against Ziegler are serious. “Since the State Director himself is not drawing any conclusions from this, we expect you, Mr. Director General, to ‘dismiss’ Mr. Robert Ziegler from his position in the interests of the ORF,” Krismer says. Especially in the coming weeks, before a state election, “it is important from our point of view to ensure the reporting independence of the ORF Lower Austria”.
Udo Landbauer, state party and club president of the FPÖ Lower Austria, spoke at a press conference about the “biggest party-political media scandal in this country” and a “democratic-political super-meltdown”. “Now an immediate reshuffle is needed, which ensures balance, objectivity and fairness in reporting,” the PVV demanded.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
