New ORF Director-General faces scandals and reform challenges

Ingrid Thurnher: ORF to Examine "Every Case and Issue" in Detail

Ingrid Thurnher takes helm at ORF amid scandals and reform pledges

Ingrid Thurnher has pledged to scrutinize "every case and issue" at Austrian public broadcaster ORF that has recently made headlines. The newly appointed ORF Director-General made the statement during her first press conference following her confirmation in the role.

She acknowledged the concerns raised by the Roland Weißmann scandal and his leaked chat messages, saying she understood why people might ask, "How is it possible that this wasn't considered sexual harassment?" Thurnher condemned the "arrogance and sexualized view of women" as "unacceptable" and stressed that such behavior was "wrong." Consequently, Weißmann's dismissal was the necessary outcome.

Thurnher aims to set a new course for the ORF's future—a "better ORF." She intends to address the issues thoroughly while adhering to "all legal requirements, internal guidelines, and individual privacy protections." She emphasized that there should be "no premature judgments, no public trials," but rather "clear responsibilities, substantiated recommendations—and then consequences."

The Two Sides of the Weißmann Affair

The ORF Foundation Council's decision to demand access to the compliance report on the Weißmann case presents a "complex legal dilemma," Thurnher said. There are "legal concerns," she noted, as the report contains confidential information that may need to be redacted. While the council—bound by strict confidentiality—has a "right to review" the document, she cannot refuse its request.

"Two perspectives must be considered," Thurnher stressed. The report was compiled under the condition that those involved provided statements only under a guarantee of absolute confidentiality. "The other legal reality is that the Foundation Council can pass a majority resolution compelling me to grant access." She described the situation as a "legal tightrope."

Regarding other cases—the council has also sought details on the matters involving Pius Strobl, Peter Schöber, and Robert Ziegler—Thurnher stated that she would "certainly not comment publicly" on anything related to lawsuits or formal complaints. She acknowledged that addressing such issues is "painful for any organization."

ORF "Far Greater Than the Headlines"

Thurnher approaches her new role with "respect"—respect for the "expectations, wishes, and needs" directed at her, and respect for the ORF's true stakeholders: the public. The broadcaster must not "become consumed by these investigations," she said, pointing to upcoming events like the Eurovision Song Contest, the FIFA World Cup, and the summer cultural program. "The ORF is far, far bigger than the headlines of recent weeks."

She also noted that reforms in other areas will not be completed by year's end. However, she has not yet decided whether she will seek to extend her tenure beyond 2026.

Thurnher was officially appointed ORF Director-General through the end of 2026 on Thursday. The election for the ORF leadership from 2027 onward will take place on June 11. When asked why she would take on such a challenging role, she laughed and replied: "A good question. When you're asked, you don't say no."