AustriaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1955
Ownership
ORF (Oesterreichischer Rundfunk) is Austria's national public-service broadcaster, established in its modern form in the mid-1950s and reorganised by law as a foundation under public law. It is governed by a Foundation Board (Stiftungsrat) and Audience Council whose members are largely appointed via political and government channels - an arrangement the Austrian Constitutional Court ruled partly unconstitutional for vulnerability to political interference, ordering reform by March 2025.
Funding
Since 1 January 2024 ORF is financed mainly by a compulsory household levy, the ORF-Beitrag (about 15.30 euro per month), which replaced the former GIS broadcasting fee and is paid by virtually all households and many businesses, supplemented by advertising revenue.
Affiliation & stance
ORF is a state-established public broadcaster funded by a mandatory public levy and overseen by politically appointed bodies, with a legal public-service remit of balance and impartiality. Because it is a public broadcaster owned/created by the state rather than a private or party entity, it is classified STATE.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 975
82/100
Factual
75/100
Objective
1126
Articles
1103
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Iran rejects US threat: It will fail
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has rejected new U.S. sanctions threats as signs of desperation, stating that all U.S. actions against Iran have failed and this latest attempt will also fail. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had threatened to impose 'the harshest sanctions in history' against Iran, though he plans to comment further tomorrow. The Iranian economy faces significant pressure due to international sanctions, and the U.S. has intensified attacks on Iran, which has responded by disrupting shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has warned of economic consequences for countries aiding Iran, and Bessent has urged China to cooperate with Washington, as China purchases over 80% of Iran's oil exports by sea.
Iran discovers large natural gas field in south of the country
Iranische Staatsmedien berichten von der Entdeckung eines neuen Erdgasfeldes im Süden der Provinz Fars mit geschätzen Reserven von über 212 Milliarden Kubikmetern. Laut Ölminister Mohsen Paknedschad könnten davon etwa 161 Milliarden Kubikmeter abgebaut werden. Da es sich um Süßgas handelt, sind die Kosten für die Entwicklung und den Betrieb niedriger. Die Entdeckung erfolgt während einer Krise, in der der Iran unter den wirtschaftlichen Folgen des Krieges gegen Israel und die USA leidet. Die Regierung arbeitet derzeit daran, die durch Angriffe beschädigte Energieinfrastruktur wiederherzustellen. Seit Beginn des Krieges im Februar sank die Erdgasproduktion um etwa 230 Millionen Kubikmeter pro Tag, wobei der Iran vor dem Konflikt täglich rund 650 Millionen Kubikmeter förderte.
Billions in Damages from Drought: How to Help Austria's Farmers Now
The article discusses the severe impact of drought on Austrian agriculture, with crop yields expected to drop by 20-50% and livestock feed shortages forcing farmers to sell their animals. Around 100,000 agricultural businesses are at risk of collapse. The government has initiated talks within the coalition to provide relief, with Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig requesting 250 million euros in immediate aid. The Farmers' Chamber is pushing for suspended social insurance contributions, costing around 300 million euros. Discussions ended without agreement, leaving the responsibility to Totschnig and the chamber. Previously, damage was estimated at one billion euros, while insurance covers only 400 million. Concerns remain over potential misallocation of funds, similar to past coronavirus aid packages. The SPÖ questions the subsidy of fossil fuels like agridiesel, suggesting these funds should instead support drought resilience and emergency funds. Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke emphasizes the need for long-term government effort but stresses maintaining the budget course.
Greece to relocate asylum seekers to Aegean islands
Greek authorities plan to relocate hundreds of asylum seekers rescued at sea off the coast of Crete to reception centers on the islands of Samos and Lesbos. The move aims to facilitate the identification, screening, and verification of these individuals before potential transfers to mainland facilities. According to the Ministry of Migration, this action will not place additional strain on the affected islands. However, local hoteliers on Lesbos have expressed concerns, prompting a crisis meeting with the mayor of Mytilini. Currently, Crete has only temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, but the ministry intends to establish a permanent reception center soon.
Russian drone crashes into passenger train to Odessa
A Russian drone struck a passenger train heading to Odessa, causing panic among nearly 600 passengers but no injuries. The incident occurred on a train numbered 147 traveling from Schytomyr to Odessa, which caught fire after the impact. Military governor Oleh Kiper described the attack as targeted and noted this was the second such attack during the evacuation process. Earlier in August, a similar attack in the region killed a locomotive operator and his assistant. Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties in Belgorod following a Ukrainian drone strike, though the numbers were disputed. The Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down 127 Russian drones, most of which were intercepted. Additionally, Ukraine targeted another warehouse of the Russian online retailer Ozon, resulting in fires and evacuations.
Selensky: Ukraine is working on an alternative to Starlink
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is developing an alternative to Starlink, the satellite network operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. He noted that Russia is collaborating with China on a similar system, expected to be completed by December 2026. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will not wait passively but is actively working with a European country on its own project, though he did not specify which nation is involved. Starlink has been crucial for Ukrainian military communications, while Russia reportedly used it for drone attacks. SpaceX took action in February to block unauthorized Russian usage.
Federal Prosecutor's Office: Further criticism of the draft
The Austrian Ministry of Finance has stated that no additional funds will be allocated for the proposed establishment of a federal prosecutors' office as part of the three-party coalition's legislative draft. The draft aims to create an independent guidance body within the judiciary, but multiple institutions, including the Supreme Court in Innsbruck, the Federation of Judges and Prosecutors in the trade union GÖD, and the Prosecutors' Association, have raised serious concerns. They argue that the proposal risks politicizing the selection process, undermining judicial independence, and violating constitutional principles. Experts also warn of increased partisan influence over prosecutorial activities. While Transparency International notes that involving the National Council in the appointment process could be democratically acceptable, it cautions against turning professional decisions into political negotiations. As of now, 23 institutions have commented, with the majority expressing criticism.
'ORF certainly does not need a wide range of programmes for people under 30' says private radio manager
The article discusses concerns raised by Corinna Drumm, head of the Austrian Private Broadcasters' Association (VÖP), regarding the planned ORF reform. She warns against further expansion of the state broadcaster ORF, arguing that it already dominates the media landscape and risks pushing private broadcasters out of digital markets. Drumm emphasizes the need to clarify the ORF’s mandate rather than expanding its role, stressing that private media provide significant public value with minimal state support. She criticizes the shift from an inquiry into Austria’s media landscape to a ministerial forum focused solely on ORF’s future, arguing this neglects the broader media diversity needed for a healthy media environment.
Call for renewed migrant rush: Ceuta border heavily secured
Following calls on social media for another mass migration attempt toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta this weekend, Spain and Morocco have significantly strengthened security measures at the border. Despite these efforts, early reports indicated calm at the border crossing in Ceuta, according to local reporters and Spanish state broadcaster RTVE. Authorities from both countries aim to prevent a repeat of the July events, during which up to 80,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta. The Spanish interior minister emphasized that the previous mass arrival was an exceptional event that would not recur. Recently, Moroccan authorities arrested individuals suspected of inciting new attempts to illegally enter Ceuta and Melilla. Security has been heightened on the Moroccan side, including barbed wire, water cannons, patrol boats, and checkpoints along access roads. Approximately 880 Spanish national police officers are currently deployed in Ceuta, supported by around 2,000 soldiers and 700 civil guards. After the recent influx, many migrants returned to Morocco within hours or days, though approximately 5,000 remain in Ceuta. The Spanish government acknowledges that returning to complete normality
Haaland is leaving his blonde wife .
Erling Haaland, der norwegische Fußballspieler von Manchester City, hat seine langen blonden Haare geschnitten und trägt sie nun kurz. Die Fans reagierten unterschiedlich auf seine neue Erscheinungsform, mit positivem Feedback sowie Verwirrung bei einigen. Haaland begründete den Schnitt als Teil eines Neuanfangs und erwähnte, dass Zlatan Ibrahimovic ihn gewarnt hatte, die Haare nicht zu rasieren. Er kontaktierte Ibrahimovic und seinen ehemaligen Trainer Josep Guardiola per Videoruf, wobei beide humorvoll auf seine neue Frisur reagierten.
Performance show with hoppalas
The article discusses the World Humanoid Robot Games taking place in Beijing, highlighting the competition between humanoids in various sports and practical scenarios. While social media focuses on humorous mishaps like robots falling over during sprints, state media emphasizes technological advancements. Notable achievements include a robot completing a 100-meter sprint in 9.32 seconds, faster than Usain Bolt's record, and another breaking the 400-meter world record at 39.70 seconds. The event showcases China's growing influence in robotics, with over 2,000 robots competing in 666 teams, many now required to operate autonomously.
Selensky against election in war
Ukrainischer Präsident Wolodymyr Selenskyj lehnt die Forderung seines ehemaligen Verteidigungsministers Mychailo Fedorow ab, während des Krieges Neuwahlen durchzuführen. Selenskyj warnt davor, dass Wahlen in Kriegszeiten das Land spalten könnten. Fedorow hatte einen 'legalen, sicheren und realistischen Mechanismus' zur Durchführung von Wahlen angemahnt, da die Demokratie nicht von Russland als Geisel genommen werden dürfe. Die Wahlen wurden seit 2022 aufgrund des Kriegsrechts ausgesetzt. Fedorow wurde im Juli entlassen, was zu massiven Protesten und Streitigkeiten innerhalb der Militärleitung führte. Seine Nachfolge übernahm Jewhenij Chmara. Zudem führten Antikorruptionsbehörden Razzien im Umfeld Selenskys durch, wobei Iryna Mudra entlassen wurde. Die Behörden untersuchen eine kriminelle Organisation, die hochrangige Beamte im Präsidialamt involviert haben könnte. Selenskyj hat bereits in der Vergangenheit Korruptionsfälle im Präsidialamt entsorgt.
Tesla: Indications of soon release of self-driving taxi
Tesla has been hinting at an upcoming market launch of its autonomous taxi, the Cybercab. The company announced an exclusive event in Austin, Texas, on September 3rd, where it plans to showcase the vehicle. CEO Elon Musk shared details of the event via his Tesla account on X, emphasizing exclusivity. The Cybercab was first introduced in October 2024 and was initially planned for mass production by 2027, with a price target under $30,000. It is designed as a driverless taxi capable of carrying up to two passengers and lacks traditional steering wheels and pedals. Tesla launched a robotaxi service in Austin in June 2025 using its existing Model Y vehicles, which are now operational in several U.S. cities. However, the company did not mention large-scale production of the Cybercab during its July quarterly report.