In a significant move on March 25, 2025, the coalition of ÖVP, SPÖ, and Neos passed an amendment to the ORF law, which mandates important changes to its governance structure. This legislative decision follows a ruling from the Constitutional Court (VfGH) that highlighted excessive governmental influence over the ORF’s oversight committees. The amendment will see the number of government-appointed representatives in the Stiftungsrat, the ORF’s supervisory board, reduced from nine to six. In contrast, the Publikumsrat—charged with representing the public—will now send nine members instead of six to the 35-member assembly.
As a direct consequence of this law, the ORF household levy of 15.30 euros per month will remain unchanged until the end of 2029. Vizekanzler Andreas Babler from the SPÖ defended these reforms, stressing the need to recognize professional qualifications in appointing Stiftungsräte and to ensure a more balanced representation in ORF’s governance.
However, the changes have not been welcomed universally. Criticism has emerged from the opposition, particularly from the FPÖ, which has advocated for the complete abolition of the household levy and a restructuring of public financing for the ORF through the state budget. Christian Hafenecker, an FPÖ spokesperson, described the reforms as a mere “Reförmchen,” indicating that they fall short of meaningful change and still allow significant political influence over the media.
Moreover, Sigrid Maurer, the media spokesperson for the Grünen, has expressed grave concerns, labeling the amendment “a beispiellose Verhöhnung des Parlaments” (an unprecedented mockery of the parliament). She highlighted the potential chaos within the government only weeks into the legislative session, stating, “Either there is already sheer chaos in the government, or we are being deliberately kept in the dark.” Her comments reflect broader sentiments among the opposition that fear the reforms do not adequately address the concerns about political intervention in media oversight.
The amended structure of ORF’s governing bodies will take effect by June 17, 2025, with renewed committees set to be appointed by that date. The new composition of the Stiftungsrat will see the SPÖ gaining increased representation, entitled to appoint eleven Stiftungsräte along with two affiliates closely tied to the party. The ÖVP maintains thirteen representatives. In contrast, the FPÖ will have three appointees, which also matches the number of representatives from the Neos.
Peter Westenthaler of the FPÖ characterized this new arrangement as a “Gleichgewicht des Schreckens,” or “balance of terror,” reflecting his concerns that political dominance persists despite purported reforms. He stated, “The government perpetuates political influence through this amendment. The regulations swing the door wide open for a new constitutional complaint—this has been absurdly manipulated.” Westenthaler’s remark encapsulates the frustration from the opposition regarding the nature of these reforms.
The previous system of appointing Stiftungsräte has faced broad scrutiny, particularly as the VfGH had previously determined that the government exerted excessive power in selecting committee members. The new regulations are a response to these judgments, ostensibly aimed at curtailing political meddling and enhancing the independence of public media. However, the doubts expressed by the opposition raise questions about the true efficacy of such changes.
Furthermore, political figures, including former Media Minister Susanne Raab from the ÖVP, have asserted that the VfGH confirmed the existing structure as constitutionally valid. Raab noted that the amendments aim to create better equilibrium within ORF’s governance. Yet, with opposing factions arguing that the reforms are insufficient, the debate over ORF’s autonomy and the broader role of public media in Austria continues unabated.
In light of these developments, the Grünen have not only pointed towards the need for increased gender parity in committee appointments but also suggested that there should be a significant increase in funding for independent journalism to mitigate the perceived influence of political entities. These discussions are critical as they reflect ongoing ideological conflicts regarding the future of ORF and its influence within Austria’s media landscape.
As the changes come into effect mid-year, all eyes will be on how these new structures and policies will play out in practice, particularly in terms of their ability to genuinely lessen political influence over the ORF. The political backdrop of this reform illustrates deep divides in Austrian politics regarding media independence and the appropriate relationship between the state and public broadcasting.
