NEOS will take the next important step in ORF reform

What has been considered political for decades now falls: The right of the governors’ rights of hearing when ordering the ORF state director: inside is abolished. For neos media spokeswoman Henrike Brandstötter, this is “a long overdue system break-and a great success for an independent ORF.”

“We NEOS are calling for the abolition of the right to hear for ten years – now it is finally a reality. The times when governors were able to have a say in ORF are over. This strengthens independence and is a massive step towards a political ORF,” says Brandstötter. “The fact that the government factions have agreed here shows: Reform goes when you want them – and if you have Neos in the government.”

But this one step should not remain: “A more discriminated design of the ORF is not a sprint, but a reform marathon-and we are determined to continue. From the composition of the board of trustees until the audience is involved, we will continue to ensure that the public service broadcast will no longer remain a party policy interests.”

Another important point was also reached when it comes to the ORF budget tax. “It was absurd that entrepreneurs: inside with several branches had to pay the household levy several times. That was not only unfair, but simply excessive – and is now history. We have provided justice here and removed unnecessary stress,” said Brandstötter.