ORF Application Round: 105 People Applied for 13 Director Positions

Gender Distribution and Internal Applications

Approximately 60 percent of the applications received came from men, and 40 percent from women, according to Pig. About half of the applicants come from within the ORF itself, while the other half are external. Pig formulated a clear goal of achieving balance in the gender ratio.

Interest was particularly strong in the newly created 'Audience & Platforms' directorate. Pig was especially pleased about this: 'I am particularly delighted by the high level of interest in the new "Audience & Platforms" directorate.' The directorate is intended to reorganize the broadcaster for the digital use of its content.

Focus on the New 'Audience & Platforms' Directorate

In conjunction with all the applications received, this was 'a clear signal from the ORF for the digital present and for the shared future of Austria's media landscape', Pig stated to the APA.

According to Pig, the formal requirements of the applications were reviewed on July 16. During the current week, shortlists for the 13 jobs will be drawn up. From July 27 onwards, application interviews are to be conducted based on these.

External Expertise and Selection Process

For the selection process, Pig is bringing in two external experts to advise on the creation of shortlists and the conducting of application interviews. These are Kathrin Schulte from Hamburg, a consultant for HR Executive Search and Leadership Assessment, as well as Bakel Walden from Zurich, a consultant for digital transformation and public value.

According to Pig's own statements, he is drawing on a scorecard matrix to comply with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the ORF Act, and the Foundation Council's rules of procedure. This includes various criteria in the categories of 'Basic Requirements', 'Functional Requirements', and 'Management Requirements'.

Scorecard Matrix as Evaluation Basis

The scorecard is identical for the regional directorates; for the four central directorates, it varies in part due to directorate-specific requirements. This is intended to ensure an objective and transparent evaluation.

From August 3 onwards, the nominations, along with justifications, are to be submitted to the ORF Foundation Council. The decision on whether the team assembled by Pig will also be appointed will be made on August 11 at a meeting of the Foundation Council.

Schedule Until the Appointment on August 11

With the advertisement of the 13 top jobs and the involvement of external experts, the ORF is responding to the requirements of the European Media Freedom Act. Following his designation, Pig had announced his intention to realign the board of directors with a stronger focus on digital usage habits.

The 'Audience & Platforms' directorate is a novelty in the ORF structure and is intended to expand the broadcaster's reach beyond linear TV and radio programming to digital platforms. Associated with it is the expectation that journalistic content will be more consistently aligned with the usage habits of the public.

The other three central directorates – 'Finance and Administration', 'Content and Brands', and 'Technology and Innovation' – bundle commercial, programming, and technological agendas under unified leadership. The nine regional directorates are responsible for regional reporting in the federal states.

Pig must present his team by early August so that the Foundation Council can decide on August 11. The appointment of the directors is a prerequisite for the new ORF management structure to become operational starting in the fall.

The high number of applications – 105 people for 13 positions – means that on average around eight applicants per position could make it to the shortlist. The actual number will be specified by the shortlist determination in the current week.