The ORF also has a luxury pension affair. The focus is on ex-general Alexander Wrabetz, who is being treated as an SPÖ hope.
The lucrative pension benefits as so-called extra-legal occupational pensions have been a thing of the past at Küniglberg for almost 25 years. Who still enjoys an ORF luxury bonus is the former red general manager Wrabetz. Because the soon-to-be 63-year-old was already commercial director shortly before the privilege was abolished – before he then moved to the top of the executive floor of the state radio and was only replaced after three terms in January 2022 by his turquoise successor Roland Weissmann.
For Wrabetz, who was brought into play by certain SPÖ circles as a possible party hope, the ‘retirement affair’ leaked by red ORF insiders came at an inconvenient time. The current Rapid President would receive an extra 8,000 euros a month from the financially distressed government service from the age of 65. For this, the broadcaster had to make a provision in the millions in times of an austerity ultimatum…
ORF boss Weißmann with a communication to Raab
In the meantime, the ORF puts a stop to other extra income. It concerns the well-paid side jobs of star moderators at parties and other events, which – as reported – caused a stir in recent weeks. “Independence and credibility” are “more existentially important than ever” to the ORF, according to an internal message from Managing Director Weißmann to staff.
Weißmann also makes people sit up and notice externally. “Time is of the essence,” he tells the APA. A new financing model must be found by 2024. Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) recently said that the ORF should save in advance. Weißmann: “Working efficiently is a matter of course for us.” But fast, sustainable financing is needed. Twelve percent of the workforce has already been cut in the past ten years…
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.
