ORF to decommission terrestrial transmitters in Austria to cut costs

The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) is decommissioning small terrestrial transmission sites in peripheral areas to save approximately 1.5 million euros annually. The broadcaster stated that these optimization measures are part of mandated cost-cutting efforts and will not compromise the 99 percent coverage of the Austrian territory.

There is significant public debate regarding the impact of these shutdowns. While reports from the Kronen Zeitung suggested that 64,000 people would be cut off from TV and radio services, the ORF clarified that this figure refers to the total population of the affected municipalities rather than individual households. The broadcaster maintains that only a few hundred households might experience a complete loss of terrestrial reception, as most Austrians (94 percent) utilize satellite, cable, or streaming services.

The FPÖ has criticized the move as a scandal, arguing that it could hinder information access during emergencies. The ORF has acknowledged that some limitations in antenna or FM radio reception may occur in specific, limited areas and has directed affected users to its customer service for individual solutions.