ORF chief-designate pledges more regional programming

Designated ORF Director General Clemens Pig has pledged more Austrian and regional programming across the broadcaster’s platforms, ORF reported, during a visit to its Lower Austria regional studio on Wednesday.

Pig said the plans would include regional news, Austrian entertainment and sport, including grassroots sport. He is visiting every Austrian state to learn more about the work of ORF’s regional studios. In St. Pölten, he heard about the Lower Austria studio’s multimedia work and answered staff questions, including about possible job cuts and ORF’s future.

Pig said the regional studios connect people with their communities and could provide a sense of direction in uncertain times. He also wants ORF’s distinctive offering to be clearer, so audiences know what to expect when they access its content on television or online.

Reaching younger audiences is another priority. Pig said young people increasingly consume media on smartphones and on the platforms they use, rather than watching television at scheduled times. He said ORF should be present on those platforms and produce content tailored to young audiences, including comedy, social criticism, culture and regional activities.

Asked about ORF’s financial situation and political debate over the broadcaster, Pig said it faced a reform process. He said some demands being discussed in connection with an FPÖ referendum petition aligned with his reform agenda, including reliable news and more Austrian and regional programming. Pig also said ORF’s funds should go as directly as possible to programming, adding that the broadcaster belonged to everyone who used it.