Austria's ORF faces €93 million funding cut and possible levy increase from 2027

The Austrian budget companion law, published in the Federal Law Gazette, amends more than 60 statutes, including the ORF Act. From 2027 the state will cease a €93 million annual subsidy that compensated the broadcaster for the loss of input‑tax credit since 2024, creating a financing gap for the ORF.

General Director Ingrid Thurnher has announced plans to legally challenge the removal, arguing that Austrian and EU law require public broadcasters to have sustainable and predictable funding. Legal scholar Hans Peter Lehofer supports this view, noting strong prospects for a successful complaint. If the ORF cannot restore the lost funds, it may request a higher household levy (ORF‑Abgabe) from the media authority, a step that would be discussed by the ORF Foundation Council at its upcoming meeting. The issue is under debate as the new board is to be appointed, with Leonhard Dobusch expected to raise the matter on 11 August.