New Leadership at ORF: Ingrid Thurnher Promises 'Full Transparency' After Weißmann's Resignation

Austria - Ekhbary News Agency

New Leadership at ORF: Ingrid Thurnher Promises 'Full Transparency' After Weißmann's Resignation

Vienna, Austria – In a turbulent period for the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), the Board of Trustees has made a pivotal decision: following the abrupt resignation of Director-General Roland Weißmann in the wake of serious sexual harassment allegations, veteran journalist Ingrid Thurnher has taken over interim leadership of the country's largest media institution. Her appointment was unanimous, sending a clear signal of renewal and decisive action. Upon assuming office, Thurnher announced an era of "full transparency with all consequences" and pledged a comprehensive investigation into the events that led to her predecessor's downfall.

The resignation of 57-year-old Roland Weißmann just days ago shook the Austrian media landscape. It came as a result of an accusation of sexual harassment against an employee, an allegation Weißmann vehemently denies. The circumstances surrounding this change in leadership are far from pleasant, as Ingrid Thurnher, one of ORF's most prominent figures, herself conceded. She expressed "mixed feelings" about her new role but simultaneously emphasized the great honor associated with the position. Her focus is now on restoring the public's shaken trust in the broadcaster and establishing a culture of respect and integrity.

Thurnher, 63, is no stranger to ORF. Her career at the public broadcaster is long and varied: she has served as a TV announcer, moderator, and editor-in-chief at ORF III, and is currently head of ORF Radio. This deep rootedness within the organization and her comprehensive knowledge of its internal structures and processes make her a strategic choice in this time of crisis. Her promise "to ensure very precisely that there is no longer any form of abuse of power at ORF" underscores the seriousness with which she approaches the challenges. A specially appointed task force is now tasked with fully clarifying all facets and backgrounds of the harassment allegations against Weißmann. This is a crucial step to shed light on the matter and review internal procedures.

The affair surrounding Roland Weißmann also raises questions about ORF's governance and internal culture. The timing of the allegations' emergence, which relate to an incident at the beginning of Weißmann's tenure in 2022, has led to significant discussions within the ORF Board of Trustees. Prior to the revelations, Weißmann was considered a favorite for the election of a new ORF Director-General, scheduled for August for the term beginning in January 2027. This prospect has now fundamentally shifted.

In addition to the harassment allegations, another complex dimension has been introduced into the debate by Peter Westenthaler, a member of the FPÖ Board of Trustees. He points to a long-standing dispute over the pension contract of a senior employee, which is said to play a significant role in the case. According to Westenthaler, Weißmann and the ORF directorate had resisted arrangements made before 2022. The affected employee himself spoke out in an interview with the newspaper "Der Standard," confirming that former Director-General Alexander Wrabetz had promised him a "voluntary pension benefit" in 2010, which Weißmann, however, did not want to accept. The last correspondence on this matter took place in November 2023. However, the employee denied any direct connection to the current events concerning the harassment allegations.

These multifaceted problems present Ingrid Thurnher with a colossal task. It is not only about leading internal investigations and establishing a new culture but also about rehabilitating the public broadcaster's reputation in Austrian public opinion. Her tenure, albeit temporary, will be crucial in setting the course for a stable and trustworthy future for ORF. The eyes of the nation are on her as she attempts to navigate one of the biggest crises in the broadcaster's recent history while upholding journalistic integrity and independence.

Ekhbary News Agency