Austria's ORF to appoint new General Director amid party battles

The Austrian public broadcaster ORF will choose a new General Director for a term starting in 2027. Applications are accepted until May 28, followed by a public hearing on June 8 and a vote by the 35 independent ORF Foundation board members on June 11.

APA chief executive Clemens Pig has emerged as the frontrunner, reportedly enjoying the backing of the governing parties ÖVP and SPÖ. ÖVP General Secretary Nico Marchetti said the role should be filled by an outsider and expressed enthusiasm for Pig’s candidacy. The SPÖ also appears comfortable with Pig, while other names being mentioned include FM4 director Dodo Roščić, NÖ‑ORF head Alexander Hofer, magazine editor Lisa Totzauer, and former ProSiebenSat.1 executive Markus Breitenecker. Incumbent ORF director Ingrid Thurnher has not ruled out a further term but remains non‑committal.

Foundation board chair Heinz Lederer rejected political pressure, stating the board will assess candidates independently. The appointment comes as the government discusses funding reforms for ORF, including a proposed €70 million compensation for lost VAT revenue and a call for the broadcaster to contribute around €100 million to budget consolidation.