ORF prepares to appoint new General Director after incumbent declines re‑run

Ingrid Thurnher, the incumbent General Director of Austria's public broadcaster ORF, announced she will not seek another term that would run from 2027 to 2031, citing the need for independence to implement transparency recommendations.

Several candidates have entered the race. ORF III co‑CEO Kathrin Zierhut‑Kunz has officially declared her candidacy, while APA chief executive Clemens Pig submitted his application to the ORF Foundation Board, positioning himself as a proponent of digital transformation, editorial independence and a leaner organisational structure. Private‑sector media executive Philipp König of Kronehit also voiced criticism of the current single‑director model and suggested a COO could modernise the corporation.

All applications must be submitted by Thursday, the final day of the nomination period, after which the board will decide on the new General Director who will lead ORF in the digital age.