ORF to cut costs by restructuring news programming

The Austrian public broadcaster ORF is implementing cost-cutting measures that include the discontinuation of the daily news program ‘ZiB Magazin’ on ORF 1 in its current form by the end of 2026.

Under the new plan, the short daily format will be replaced by a longer version, lasting approximately 50 minutes, with only ten to twelve broadcasts per year. ORF aims to focus more on in-depth reportage and documentaries through this change, which is expected to result in six-figure savings. The broadcaster has not yet finalized what will occupy the time slot previously held by the daily magazine, though media reports suggest an increased focus on sports.

Additionally, the future of the long-running quiz program ‘Millionenshow’ hosted by Armin Assinger remains uncertain. While the show is currently funded until summer 2027, no decision has been made regarding its continuation beyond that period.