With the votes of the ÖVP and the Greens, the new ORF law was passed on Wednesday and with it the replacement of the GIS by a new household levy. Previously, the project led to heated discussions. While the coalition considered public service broadcasting future-proof, the opposition rained harsh criticism.
What it’s about: The new ORF law brings the end of the GIS fee, which will be replaced by a household fee. At 15.30 euros per month, that is about 3 euros cheaper, but everyone will have to pay for that in the future. There is also a state tax in some states. There are more options online as both online-only and online-first production are allowed.
Orchestra and ORF Sport+ will remain for the time being
Depending on the content, the current seven-day limit for TVthek access will be extended to a longer period. In return, the ORF expects stricter advertising restrictions in the radio and digital sector and more transparency obligations, for example in the case of additional revenue. In the future, ORF will be able to offer an online children’s channel and run ORF Sport+ as a digital channel. However, the sports section channel will remain in linear form until 2026. Federal funds ensure the survival of the ORF radio symphony orchestra until 2026. The opposition called for its permanent preservation.
The coalition was satisfied with the package on Wednesday. Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) pointed out that the reform was ultimately initiated by the Constitutional Court (VfGH). Even though she disagreed with some of the content, she emphasized the importance of public broadcasting – and it also had to be funded. The reform ensures that it becomes cheaper for current fee payers and can offer more.
VP media spokesman Kurt Egger emphasized that the online specifications also ensured that competition with private media companies was not unfair. The sports and cultural offerings were retained, as were the state studios.
Groenclub chairman Sigrid Maurer emphasized that the ORF is being enabled to enter the 21st century. The transmitter is essential for democracy. At the same time, a diverse media landscape is guaranteed. She sharply attacked the FPÖ for her criticism of the allowances. After all, FPÖ TV is financed by party financing through tax money and there the free parallel world is presented with “Putin lies”.
FPÖ club boss Herbert Kickl, who had not spared sharp attacks against the ORF in recent months, was once again outraged at the meeting, seeing the ORF as a “propaganda tool of the powerful”, continued.He called the decision a “disgrace”. He sees a mandatory tax in the hundreds of millions. Kickl recognizes a “mix of leftist zeitgeist and black-red-green claims to power” on the ORF.
Social Democratic MP Jörg Leichtfried also thought the decision was a bad idea. He thinks the new tax is neither social nor fair: “The heiress of millions in the Seevilla pays the same as the supermarket cashier in the two-room apartment,” Lightfried wondered.
NEOS media spokeswoman Henrike Brandstötter complained about the same thing. The ORF remains an “instrument of power of the political orchestra”. The NEOS, on the other hand, wanted competence before the party book. Political party
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.
