FPÖ threatens critical ORF journalists with dismissal

FPÖ politician Norbert Steger, who is a member of the ORF Foundation Council, told the Salzburg Newsone third of foreign correspondents would be cut "if they do not behave correctly".

He cited the ORF correspondent in Hungary as an example. His reporting on the Hungarian elections had been too "one-sided". Steger also threatened ORF journalists with regard to social media: anyone who violates the planned new social media guidelines "will first be warned - and then dismissed". The guideline is intended to regulate what ORF journalists are allowed to post on Facebook and Twitter, for example.

Since a reform around 17 years ago, the composition of ORF's highest supervisory body has largely been determined by the government. Steger is also being discussed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

ORF boss defends himself

ORF Director General Alexander Wrabetz reacted promptly via Twitter to the statements: "16 ORF correspondent offices are an indispensable pillar of international reporting on TV, radio and online that is highly valued by the public".

The ORF boss also stood in front of the Hungary correspondent attacked by Steger: "I am pleased to announce that I have extended Ernst Gelegs' contract as correspondent in Budapest until 2021 following his excellent coverage of the Hungarian elections."

Criticism also came - also via social media - from ORF journalists: "This direct attack on public broadcasting by a supervisory body is a new low in media policy," criticized Dieter Bornemann, Chairman of the Editorial Board.

Claudia Gamon from the liberal Neos party described Steger's statements as an "attack on the freedom of the press". Wanting to apply the standard of correct or incorrect behavior to independent journalists according to FPÖ taste is inconceivable.

ORF television presenter Armin Wolf, who was recently targeted by the FPÖ, received a special honor in Germany on Friday evening: he was awarded the Grimme Television Prize. (SDA)