ORF Faces Criticism Over Replays While Adding Barrier‑Free Advertising

On a recent Friday, Austria's public broadcaster ORF aired more than 1,500 minutes of repeat and archive programmes across ORF 1 and ORF 2, featuring old series, films and previously shown segments. Observers noted that over half of the day’s schedule consisted of previously broadcast content, raising concerns that the channel is not fulfilling its public‑service mandate to provide original, substantive programming.

In parallel, ORF announced a rollout of barrier‑free television advertising that will include audio description and subtitles on its TV, online and mobile platforms. General Director Ingrid Thurnher said the move supports ORF’s duty to ensure inclusive access for the roughly 1.7 million Austrians with hearing impairments and 300 000 with visual impairments. The first advertiser to use the new format is Procter & Gamble, which will apply the features to several of its brands.