New rules of conduct

After chat scandals: What is now forbidden on ORF

ORF General Manager Roland Weißmann introduces new rules of conduct for ORF stars such as Armin Wolf and Claudia Reiterer.(Bild: Krone KREATIV, ORF, Starpix/Tuma Alexander)

In the super election year, new rules of conduct apply to journalists in state broadcasting. These relate to lucrative side jobs and particularly personal comments on social networks with a clear political slant. As in soccer, penalties are to be given first the yellow card and then the red card.

After the resignations of leading ORF journalists for being too close to politics and chats, the Küniglberg roof was on fire. Director General Roland Weißmann then set up an ethics committee with media and legal experts in the summer.

The experts focused on comments and postings on social networks and unbridled lucrative side jobs such as presenting, with which the stars of state radio sometimes doubled their annual salary. After six months, a kind of etiquette guide is finally available.

ORF General Roland Weißmann introduces new rules of conduct for ORF stars such as Armin Wolf and Claudia Reiterer.(Bild: Krone KREATIV, ORF, Starpix/Tuma Alexander)

"It's about independence and credibility"
The code of conduct is to be adopted at the next Board of Trustees in March. "There will be new rules, including consequences. It's about independence, credibility and acceptance among the population," emphasizes Thomas Zach, civil ÖVP circle of friends leader on the ORF Supervisory Board.

And what will be forbidden in the domestic media organ in future?
An insider: "For example, personal comments on social networks that harm the company." Especially in times of a budget levy for everyone and in the run-up to the super election year, ORF does not want to make itself vulnerable to political postings with a clear slant and is imposing a muzzle.

And what is the punishment?
So far, there have been written warnings (one radio journalist has three) without any legal consequences. That will now change.

As in soccer, first the yellow card, then the red card
In the style of soccer, there will be a yellow card first and then a red card. ORF managers will also be introduced to the new "rules of etiquette" in training sessions.