Pig plans cooler, more regional ORF programming

Designated ORF director-general Clemens Pig plans to strengthen regional coverage, expand digital programming and reach younger audiences, ORF reported. The broadcaster will need “cooler” programmes for younger people, he said on Friday during his introductory visit to the ORF regional studio in Vorarlberg.

The Vorarlberg studio is set for several changes, including new leadership in its directorate and editorial management. The appointments of all 13 ORF directors were confirmed this week. From 2027, Vorarlberg editor-in-chief Angelika Simma-Wallinger will move to the directorate in Vienna, while Julia Ortner will take over the studio’s directorate.

Pig said regional coverage should be strengthened despite the ORF’s difficult financial situation. Regional studios produce exclusive content that is available only through ORF, he said, adding that this would become increasingly important in the digital media environment.

There will be no additional funding for the regional studios, however, as ORF is cutting costs nationwide. Millions of euros must be saved because the household levy has been frozen. Pig said the broadcaster also had to make additional annual savings of about 90 million euros.

Media consumption is increasingly shifting to smartphones and digital platforms, Pig said. He wants ORF to produce programmes for younger people that suit those platforms, including “somewhat cooler programming”. He described the Vorarlberg regional studio as a model studio with extensive experience in the digital transition and a record of many successes.