Media Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) wants to take the time to reform the ORF committee. “I’m not interested in imposing anything,” but the issue needs to be looked at from different angles, she said. A new regulation must be introduced by March 2025.
The need for reform of the ORF Committee and the reform that has already been implemented dates back to the Constitutional Court (VfGH), which ruled the composition of the foundation and the public council partially unconstitutional. The argument was that the government had a major influence on the occupation. The law has been in existence since the 1970s and the Constitutional Court has since confirmed its basic principles, but has also repealed parts of it.
Thinking lawfully
The need for regulation is currently being examined, Minister of Media and Women’s Affairs Susanne Raab (ÖVP) said in an APA interview. It is legitimate to think for a while, consult experts and not make a decision quickly. “If we want to develop objective solutions, we must take the time to look at things from different perspectives.”
Since there will only be a new arrangement for the ORF committees in March 2025, this could become the task of a new government (new elections are planned for autumn 2024, note). In the interview, Raab also spoke about wanting to continue working with artificial intelligence (AI). She announced that she would work with the media industry to develop guidelines for dealing with AI. A distinction must be made between different forms and risks of AI.
Obligation to work for asylum seekers “in principle sensible”
Another topic was the obligation to work for asylum seekers, which the Ministry of the Interior recently approved. According to Raab, this is ‘sensible in principle’. People who flee to Austria and receive shelter, food and pocket money here must give something back to society, for example by maintaining community spaces. This way they could also make contacts in Austria.
“There can be nothing bad about it and in my opinion there is nothing that violates human rights,” the minister said in response to criticism from human rights organization Amnesty International. At the same time, access to the labor market for asylum seekers must be improved. The decision in the trial must be awaited.
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.
