Graz, Austria — May 13, 2026
Ernst Sittinger will serve as the new ORF Foundation Council member for Styria after the regional coalition partners FPÖ and ÖVP reached an agreement on his nomination, as reported by multiple sources.
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Ernst Sittinger has been selected as the new ORF Foundation Council member representing Styria. The appointment was agreed upon by the regional coalition partners FPÖ and ÖVP, according to media reports.
Graz, Austria — May 13, 2026
Ernst Sittinger will serve as the new ORF Foundation Council member for Styria after the regional coalition partners FPÖ and ÖVP reached an agreement on his nomination, as reported by multiple sources.
Sittinger, whose selection was confirmed by three independent sources, pledged to carry out his duties with diligence and impartiality. In a statement, he said: *"Ich werde sie sorgfältig, sachgerecht und überparteilich im Interesse der steirischen Bevölkerung wahrnehmen."* ("I will exercise them carefully, appropriately, and in a non-partisan manner in the interest of the Styrian population.")
The decision marks a key step in filling the ORF Stiftungsrat position, which plays a crucial role in overseeing Austria’s public broadcasting service. The agreement between the FPÖ (Freedom Party of Austria) and ÖVP (Austrian People’s Party) underscores the political coordination required for such appointments in the region.
The nomination process was closely followed by local media, including the *Kleine Zeitung*, which reported on the coalition’s alignment. The FPÖ and ÖVP, as governing partners in Styria, have historically influenced key media and cultural appointments, with Sittinger’s selection reflecting their shared priorities.
While specific details of the deliberations were not disclosed, the agreement suggests a compromise between the two parties. The ORF Foundation Council, which includes representatives from Austria’s federal states, ensures regional interests are considered in national broadcasting decisions.