The ORF must save 325 million euros by 2026. The end of the radio symphony orchestra and the TV channel Sport Plus were also planned. That’s off the table now, the federal government wants to develop concepts for the rescue.
The government recognized that public service broadcasting has value for democracy. Against the background of disinformation, objective journalism is essential, said green club president Sigrid Maurer. “The ORF belongs to everyone, so it must also be paid for by everyone.”
According to Maurer, the federal government has also committed to the continuation of the content of the special interest channel Sport Plus and to the financially sustainable continued existence of the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna (RSO). According to Maurer, the exact solutions must first be worked out.
“With our joint commitment to the survival of the ORF Wiener Radio Symphony Orchestra, we as a government declare that the planned cuts to this orchestra of international stature are off the table,” State Secretary for Culture Andrea Mayer (Greens) said in a broadcast.
And added: “In my opinion, the RSO should never have been in question from the start – it is therefore gratifying that this decision has been taken to keep the orchestra, even if the details have yet to be worked out.” anchoring the RSO so that these discussions are no longer necessary in the future”.
Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) confirmed that a dual system of private law and public law is needed at the media venue. “We also want the media to be ready for the future, which is why we are working intensively on a digital amendment.”
In this way, they want to ensure that the ORF can make use of new digital possibilities, since the current regulations are no longer up-to-date, said the minister, who emphasized, however, that this must be done in coordination with the private media market. . However, there is no time horizon yet, the minister asked for patience. Maurer also stressed that they wanted to make the ORF “fit and competitive”, especially to reach young people.
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.
