FPÖ calls for ORF reform: compulsory tax and multiple payments criticized!

FPÖ calls for ORF reform: compulsory tax and multiple payments criticized!

The dispute over the ORF budget levy and the reform of the ORF is taking new turns. FPÖ general secretary and media spokesman Christian Hafenecker sharply criticizes the latest changes to the ORF laws and describes them as the work of the “loser traffic light parties”. These would not do justice to the ORF and would rather only make cosmetic changes without initiating fundamental reforms. “There’s something there – the ORF urgently needs a leaner basic radio and an abolition of the compulsory tax,” demands Hafenecker, alluding to the planned reform, which comes across as a sweeping blow.

From January 1, 2024, Austrians will have to pay a new ORF household tax, regardless of whether they have a receiver or not. The FPÖ calls this tax a “compulsory tax” and criticizes it as an additional burden in times of inflation. This regulation promises the ORF revenue of around 800 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 18% compared to the previous year. At the same time, the high salary structure within the ORF is discussed: 19% of employees earn over 100,000 euros annually - a luxury that can only be found in 4% of the entire workforce. “The ORF is doing a good business,” says Hafenecker, who sharply denounces the injustice of the budget levy.

Reforms and resistance

The ORF reform mentioned above aims to reduce political influence and abolish the state governors' right to be heard when appointing the ORF state directors. This is celebrated by the NEOS as a “long overdue system break”. Henrike Brandstötter, media spokeswoman for NEOS, emphasizes that such a change is intended to strengthen the ORF's independence. Despite these developments, the FPÖ motion to abolish the budget levy remains in the minority. Both the ÖVP, SPÖ, Greens and NEOS support the ORF and promote the independence of the media.

However, the FPÖ remains stubborn in its criticism and points to growing discontent among the population. A referendum signed by almost 120,000 citizens resolutely rejects ORF funding. The ORF's one-sided reporting is repeatedly mentioned in the debates, which further fuels the FPÖ's discontent. “The system parties only act as if they were working on the ORF, while the actual system remains untouched,” said Hafenecker.

Looking ahead

The coming months could be crucial for the media landscape in Austria. Without serious reforms and an overhaul of funding, the ORF faces difficult times. Meanwhile, State Secretary Claudia Plakolm emphasizes that the ORF contribution has become cheaper for the majority and emphasizes the importance of an independent media landscape. But calls for reform - both inside and outside parliament - are growing louder, and the FPÖ is hoping for a government led by it to end compulsory financing once and for all.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the political disputes over the ORF and the budget levy will develop. One thing is clear: the discourse about the financing and independence of the ORF will continue to heat up people's minds in the future.

The discussions about the ORF and the budget levy will ensure that politicians will have to take a closer look here in the coming months. Whether a reformed ORF landscape will actually meet the needs of citizens at the end of the day remains to be seen.