ORF Transfers Ukraine Reporting to Budapest Office Under Paul Krisai
The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) has announced a significant restructuring of its coverage of the Ukraine conflict. Starting in late 2026, responsibility for reporting on Ukraine will move from ORF's Belgrade bureau to its office in Budapest. This change aligns with broader efforts to adapt news operations in response to ongoing geopolitical challenges in Eastern Europe.
Paul Krisai, an experienced correspondent with a history of reporting from Russia, will assume leadership of Ukraine coverage from the Budapest office. The transition comes as the long-serving Ukraine correspondent, Christian Wehrschütz, prepares for retirement at the end of 2026. Krisai's prior assignments in Russia have equipped him with critical expertise in reporting under complex political and conflict-driven circumstances, a background seen as highly relevant for the demands of covering Ukraine during a period of ongoing instability.
Meanwhile, the leadership of ORF's Belgrade bureau will change hands in mid-2026, with Cornelia Primosch set to take over. Primosch will expand her responsibilities to include coverage of Bulgaria, reflecting ORF's aim to streamline its regional reporting structures. These changes are part of a broader organizational strategy to enhance adaptability and coverage quality in regions experiencing dynamic developments.
According to statements from ORF's editorial leadership, the network is increasing the rotation of its foreign correspondents. This approach is intended to foster a diverse range of perspectives in international news coverage and to ensure correspondents remain responsive to evolving situations in their assigned regions. It was also acknowledged that, while there is a desire to maintain a presence in as many countries as possible, financial constraints continue to limit the expansion of ORF's international bureau network.
The reorganization occurs against a backdrop of unconfirmed reports concerning contract renewals for other ORF correspondents, including those based in the Middle East. The broadcaster has refrained from commenting on these rumors, but emphasized its ongoing commitment to maintaining robust and flexible news coverage in key global hotspots.
ORF's adjustments in its foreign reporting structure underscore the challenges faced by public broadcasters in balancing comprehensive international coverage with operational and budgetary realities. The reassignment of Ukraine coverage to Budapest under Paul Krisai signifies a strategic move to leverage experienced personnel in regions of heightened news interest, while also navigating the limitations imposed by resources and changing global conditions.
As the situation in Ukraine remains a central focus for international news organizations, ORF's realignment aims to ensure continued, in-depth reporting from the region. The broadcaster's efforts reflect a broader trend among European media companies to reallocate resources effectively in response to shifting political landscapes and ongoing conflicts.