According to forecasts, the ORF missed 180,000 so-called ‘ghost households’ that do not yet pay the new household tax – this also increased the pressure on the public broadcaster to make savings. This gap has now been significantly closed.
There was still great excitement at ORF in the spring. Due to incorrect or unattributable reporting data, there was talk of 180,000 so-called ‘ghost households’, which would have left the public broadcaster with a revenue gap of more than 30 million euros. Now the situation at Küniglberg seems to have calmed down somewhat.
Data forensic investigation finds ‘ghost households’
At the moment, less than 100,000 households are missing, of which almost 45,000 are premium-free. Compared to the intended financial plan in the ORF budget, the income is now missing for less than 20 million euros.
Active support to improve the overall situation came from data forensic experts, who identified almost 114,000 paying households during the summer months.
The first complaints failed in court
In the meantime, the first complaints about the contribution have been rejected by the court – not yet legally binding. Citizens complained, for example, that no solution had been found in the ORF law regarding the amount of the contribution or that no ORF programs were consumed at all.
There are only a few exceptions to the contribution
Since the switch to the ORF fee, all households have to pay for public broadcasting and its offering, regardless of the reception and reception equipment. The amount of the ORF contribution in the ORF Act was then determined on the basis of calculations by the Ministry of Finance.
Based on the reporting data, the contribution has been reduced to 15.30 euros. Only low-income households are excluded.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
