Chancellor with family

“Aktenzeichen XY …” legend Peter Nidetzky is dead

Peter Nidetzky(Bild: First Look)

Mourning for Peter Nidetzky: the former ORF presenter and father-in-law of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has died. 

Austrian television journalism has thus lost a formative figure. Peter Nidetzky, born on June 5, 1940 in Vienna, was 84 years old. According to reports, he had been struggling with health problems for some time.

Nidetzky was best known for his role in the show "Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst", in which he played a key role in solving crimes as head of the Vienna recording studio. With his calm but determined manner, he shaped the format and contributed significantly to the public perception of the program in Austria.

Moon landing and equestrian sports
A particular highlight of his career was certainly the live broadcast of the first moon landing, which he was allowed to comment on as co-presenter in 1969. He was head of Teletext until his retirement in 2000.

Peter Nidetzky left a significant mark not only on television journalism, but also on Austrian sport. Until 2001, he was president of the regional professional association for riding and driving in Lower Austria as well as the federal representative for show jumping in the national professional association FENA. His passion for equestrian sport and his commitment to the Austrian equestrian community also made him a highly esteemed personality in this field.

"It is with great sadness and deep regret" that Roland Weißmann reacted to the passing of the popular ORF journalist and presenter. "Peter Nidetzky was a true pioneer of Austrian broadcasting who played a key role in shaping ORF for decades," he explained in a press release. "Our condolences go out to his family", emphasized the ORF Director General.

Chancellor's family mourns
Nidetzky's daughter Katharina is married to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. He postponed exploratory talks on Monday in order to be with his family.