Austrian Prosecutors Probe ORF Council Chair Heinz Lederer for Coercion

Vienna prosecutors have opened an investigation into Heinz Lederer, the chair of the ORF foundation council, on suspicion of serious coercion. The probe stems from a recorded phone call in spring 2025 with then‑ORF director Roland Weißmann, in which Lederer allegedly linked demands for editorial appointments and production contracts to the upcoming 2026 director election. The alleged conduct could carry a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment. Lederer, a member of the SPÖ, denies any wrongdoing, stating that board members must question directors on strategic and personnel matters and invoking the presumption of innocence. He told reporters, “I trust that these investigations will clear the accusations,” and was reported to have shouted, “Das war’s dann mit dem General,” during the conversation.