Neos Engages Public in Dialogue on Future ORF Reforms

The Austrian political party Neos is initiating an open discussion with the public regarding the future direction and responsibilities of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF). This initiative comes as the federal government plans to undertake a significant reform of the public broadcaster by 2027. In preparation for this process, Neos aims to gather input from citizens to help shape the broadcaster's role in the evolving media landscape.

To achieve this, Neos is organizing a series of events designed to collect diverse perspectives and foster constructive dialogue. The first of these is scheduled for February, where a public 'hackathon' will take place at the Funkhaus on Argentinierstraße in Vienna. The central theme for this event will focus on determining the future tasks and obligations of public broadcasting in Austria.

The hackathon is intended to serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together participants from various backgrounds, including members of civil society, media professionals, and interested citizens. Attendees will be encouraged to share ideas and propose solutions to refine the mission of the ORF, addressing topics such as digital transformation, public accountability, and the broadcaster's cultural and educational mandate.

Following the hackathon, Neos has planned a series of follow-up events. An expert panel, to be held as a closed session in March, will analyze and build upon the insights generated during the hackathon. The outcomes of both the public and expert discussions will then be presented and debated in an open parliamentary forum scheduled for April. This final event will provide an opportunity for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to engage in a transparent discussion about the proposed concepts for ORF's future direction.

The party's approach is centered on enhancing public participation in the reform process, emphasizing the importance of aligning ORF's mandate with the changing expectations of Austrian society. By involving citizens early in the conversation, Neos aims to ensure that future policy decisions take into account a broad range of viewpoints and reflect the diverse needs of the population.

These initiatives are part of a broader movement in Austria to modernize public broadcasting and address contemporary challenges such as digitalization, media plurality, and the sustainability of publicly funded media institutions. The ORF, as Austria's primary public broadcaster, plays a crucial role in delivering unbiased news, cultural programming, and educational content. Reform efforts are expected to consider both technological advancements and the evolving media consumption habits of audiences.

In addition to public engagement activities, Neos has also indicated plans to work closely with civil society organizations to further define and strengthen the ORF's mission. The party emphasizes the value of collaborative policymaking and the need for transparent, inclusive dialogue in shaping the future of Austrian public media.

The upcoming consultations and forums are open to all interested parties, reflecting Neos' commitment to participatory democracy and informed policy development. The results of these discussions are expected to inform the party's formal proposals for ORF reform, which will be presented during the parliamentary debate later in the year.

As Austria looks ahead to a new era of public broadcasting, the initiatives led by Neos highlight the significance of engaging the public in shaping institutions that serve the public interest. The ongoing process underscores the need for adaptability and responsiveness in the face of rapid changes within the media sector, ensuring that the ORF remains a trusted and relevant source of information for all citizens.