ORF to cut programming amid 93 million euro budget reduction

The Austrian public broadcaster ORF is implementing significant budget cuts totaling 93 million euros, which will lead to major changes in its television programming by 2027. The program directorate alone is expected to reduce spending by between 25 and 30 million euros compared to the previous year.

As a result of these financial constraints, several popular formats will be discontinued. The quiz shows ‘Smart 10’ and ‘Q1’ are set to end, and the daily ‘ZIB Magazin’ will be discontinued in its current form. The future of the well-known ‘Millionenshow’ remains uncertain, though it is currently secured until the summer break of 2027.

Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz stated that the broadcaster must prioritize certain content, specifically favoring Austrian fiction, culture, and documentaries over quiz formats. To adapt to the changes, ORF plans to focus on existing high-rated shows, new crime series, and a new weekly hospital drama titled ‘Pflegeleicht’. The broadcaster is also looking into ways to utilize content across both linear television and streaming platforms to manage costs.