Heinz Lederer Appointed Chair of ORF Foundation Council

Heinz Lederer has been appointed as the new Chair of the ORF Foundation Council. The 62-year-old was unanimously elected during the inaugural meeting, securing 32 votes with two abstentions, succeeding Lothar Lockl, who announced his departure from the council in April. Lederer has been a long-standing member of the ORF Foundation Council and previously led the SPÖ 'Friendship Circle.' He has also served as the communications director for the SPÖ and is currently working as a public relations consultant.

Lockl acknowledged Lederer's extensive professional experience in communications and media, stating that he is well-equipped for the role due to his inclination towards seeking compromise. Following his election, Lederer expressed concerns about the challenges ahead, particularly regarding significant budget cuts facing ORF. He noted that the legally frozen ORF contributions impose "substantial burdens" on the organization and emphasized the need for careful consideration of future steps.

Lederer stressed the importance of avoiding a "personnel cutback" while upholding the integrity of ORF's programming, which he views as central to the public broadcaster's mission. He affirmed the necessity of maintaining a diverse range of offerings, from FM4 to Ö1 and television channels, describing this as a major undertaking.

Additionally, Lederer aims to make the Foundation Council more accessible, with discussions underway about implementing study days that would invite publishers and media experts to explore the future of the media landscape. He underscored the importance of fostering a constructive relationship with private media companies, highlighting that collaboration is essential for addressing the challenges posed by the media environment, especially with the ongoing shift of advertising revenues to major international firms.

Before the election, Peter Westenthaler, a council member appointed by the FPÖ, requested a postponement of the meeting, which was ultimately denied. Westenthaler questioned the legality of the meeting's composition, as only 34 of the usual 35 council members were present. This absence was due to Gertrude Aubauer, a representative of the ORF Audience Council, stepping down recently amid concerns over potential conflicts of interest, given her position as deputy chair of the ÖVP seniors. According to ORF law, individuals holding political positions are prohibited from serving on ORF councils.

The term for the Foundation Council lasts four years, during which the council is responsible for appointing the ORF General Director and up to four directors and nine regional directors based on the General Director's recommendations. The next appointments are set for 2026. The council members also approve financial plans, personnel structures, and annual budget reports.

The recent restructuring of the ORF Foundation Council, a response to a ruling by the Constitutional Court, has resulted in shifted power dynamics within the council. Previously, the ÖVP held a majority through its appointed members; however, that is no longer the case. Both the ÖVP and SPÖ now have over ten council members aligned with them, with the latter group showing significant growth. Additionally, the FPÖ, currently the strongest party in parliament, and NEOS each have three representatives on the council. The Greens, however, now have only one member.