ORF Foundation Council probes scandals as legal battles and staff unrest grow
The ORF Foundation Council has started examining compliance reports from past years. The review covers high-profile cases, including allegations against Peter Schöber, head of ORF III. Tensions have risen as staff and politicians push for answers over delayed investigations.
Concerns have also surfaced at ORF’s Lower Austria studio about the handling of a report on Robert Ziegler. The broadcaster now faces pressure from multiple sides to address long-standing grievances.
The review process was triggered after persistent calls for accountability. Sigrid Maurer, the Greens’ media spokesperson, argued that Schöber should have been removed from his role long before now. Meanwhile, Peter Westenthaler, an FPÖ-appointed council member, studied the reports and demanded swift action.
Schöber has responded by taking legal steps to block the examination of his case. He filed a lawsuit against ORF, aiming to prevent the review of his report. Despite this, the broadcaster has pledged to protect the confidentiality of witnesses involved in the process. The investigation extends beyond Schöber. It also includes the Roland Weißmann case and a separate issue involving Pius Strobl’s pension agreement. Council member Leonhard Dobusch recommended filing an official report in Strobl’s case to ensure proper scrutiny. At ORF’s Lower Austria studio, frustration has grown over the delayed release of the Ziegler report. Several editors wrote directly to Director General Ingrid Thurnher, voicing their concerns. Christian Hafenecker, the FPÖ’s media spokesperson, reinforced demands for full transparency and a comprehensive investigation into all cases.
The ORF Foundation Council now faces the task of addressing multiple unresolved cases. Staff concerns, legal challenges, and political pressure will shape how the review proceeds. The outcome could determine whether further changes are made to leadership and internal procedures at the broadcaster.
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