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ORF Power Struggle: 13 Top Jobs to Be Filled Today

Clemens Pig, the future ORF boss, is presenting his team of directors to the Foundation Board today.(Bild: APA/MAX SLOVENCIK)

Showdown at Küniglberg: The ORF Foundation Board will decide today on the new leadership team under Director General Clemens Pig. All 13 top jobs are set to be filled as a package—despite criticism of the selection process. At the same time, the high-profile court case brought by former ORF boss Roland Weißmann against the broadcaster also begins today. The “Krone” is reporting live.

The most important developments surrounding the ORF director selection, in a nutshell:

• The ORF Foundation Board will decide today on 13 top positions: four directorates at Küniglberg and the heads of the nine regional studios.
• The entire leadership team will bevoted on as a single package. A simple majority would be required to postpone the vote or hold a separate vote—but such a majority does not currently appear likely.
• Clemens Pig has nominated five women and eight men. Only one of the current directors is expected to remain in office; there will be changes at four regional studios. Here you can see Pig’s entire team.
• FPÖ Foundation Board member Peter Westenthaler wants to postpone the election. He cites a lack of transparency in the process and possible “cronyism.” Before the meeting, he compared Pig to a North Korean dictator.
• The case of Roland Weißmann adds further tension: of all days, the trial regarding the dismissal of the former ORF Director General begins on the very day of the directors’ election. Weißmann is contesting his dismissal and is seeking nearly four million euros. Full background on the trial.
• “Krone” Editor-in-Chief Klaus Herrmann offers sharp criticism: While numerous ORF executives have been placed on leave or dismissed, Foundation Board Chairman Heinz Lederer is allowed to continue working—despite ongoing investigations into allegations of coercion —and to appoint Pig’s board of directors today. “What’s going on here?”