Austrian Private Broadcasters Warn 12% Streaming Levy Would Threaten Jobs and Content

Further financial pressure from the streaming levy would force cuts to Austrian content production, including news, regional reporting, and sports licensing. "Investitionen in österreichische Inhalte müssten reduziert werden," the association warned, predicting a "deutliche Schwächung der audiovisuellen Medienvielfalt" (significant weakening of audiovisual media diversity).

International Comparisons and Industry Concerns

At 12%, Austria’s proposed levy exceeds similar measures in other EU countries, according to the VÖP. "Damit läge Österreich nach Einschätzung des VÖP deutlich über vergleichbaren Modellen anderer Länder," the group noted, adding that many EU states have avoided such taxes to protect domestic media.

The association emphasized streaming’s role as a growth sector, arguing the tax would "massiv" hinder investments needed for competitiveness. "Die Folge wäre eine deutliche Schwächung der audiovisuellen Medienvielfalt mit erheblichen demokratiepolitischen Auswirkungen," the statement read, linking media diversity to democratic health.

While acknowledging the importance of film funding, the VÖP insisted it should be a state responsibility: "Filmförderung sei jedoch eine kulturpolitische Aufgabe des Staates." The group opposes shifting this burden to an already struggling industry.

The Austrian government has yet to finalize the levy’s design, with details expected in the 2027/2028 budget. The finance minister’s budget speech on October 10 may provide further clarity.