'ORF certainly does not need a wide range of programmes for people under 30' says private radio manager

Fritz Wendl, a former journalist with Austria's public broadcaster ORF, has died at the age of 79. He passed away during the night of August 18 into 19, according to an official statement released by ORF on Friday. Wendl had been a long-serving radio journalist, known particularly for his work as a presenter of the Ö1 Journals and for co-founding the consumer magazine help. He also led the radio consumer department and served many years as chairman of the editorial board. He retired from active service in 2012. Wendl’s career spanned several decades within the Austrian public broadcasting system. As a moderator of the Ö1 Journals, he became a familiar voice to listeners over the years. His role in establishing help, a program focused on consumer issues, significantly contributed to the identity of public broadcasting in Austria. The show was recognized for its commitment to public value and quality journalism. According to ORF General Director Ingrid Thurnher, Wendl was a powerful voice for Ö1 and played a key role in shaping the brand of public broadcasting through his work on help. The ORF editorial board also paid tribute to Wendl, describing him as a defining figure within the organization. They highlighted his presence on air, especially as a presenter of the Ö1 Journals and as leader of the help team. Beyond his on-air contributions, Wendl held a central role as a representative of the editorial staff. For 22 years, he chaired the editorial board, continuing to serve as an honorary chair even after retiring in 2012. His influence extended beyond formal duties, offering guidance and support to successive generations of editorial representatives in challenging matters related to journalistic independence. Wendl was also deeply committed to labor rights and union activities. He was a long-standing member and active participant in the trade union GPA, which represents employees in the media sector. Barbara Teiber, president of GPA, noted that Wendl believed independent and high-quality journalism could only exist with employee participation and stable working conditions. Wolfgang Katzian, president of the broader trade union federation ÖGB, described Wendl as a sincere and dedicated fighter for fair working conditions within ORF. Nadja Igler, an ORF journalist and head of the economic division at ORF and its subsidiaries within GPA, spoke highly of Wendl’s political engagement and passion for advocacy. She described him as someone who often had the stronger arguments and thus sometimes appeared inconvenient, yet remained steadfast in supporting journalists. “We will miss him and his drive,” she said. Wendl’s legacy extends across multiple areas, journalism, public broadcasting, and labor representation. His contributions were felt both in the studio and behind the scenes, influencing policies and practices that shaped the landscape of Austrian media. Colleagues and colleagues alike remember him as a person of conviction, whose efforts helped maintain the integrity and independence of public broadcasting in Austria. His passing marks the end of an era for those who worked alongside him, leaving a lasting impact on the institutions he served throughout his life.