Vienna, April 18, 2026
Eleven individuals have submitted applications to lead Austria’s national public broadcaster ORF through the end of 2026, following the resignation of former director Roland Weißmann.
Selection Process and Timeline
The ORF’s governing body, the Stiftungsrat, is set to announce the interim director by Thursday, April 23, according to corroborated reports. The selected candidate will serve until the end of the year, bridging the gap until a permanent successor is chosen.
Heinz Lederer, a key figure in the selection process, was required by ORF law to advertise the position "unverzüglich" (immediately) after Weißmann’s departure. The decision on who will lead the broadcaster for the next full term, starting in 2027, will be made in mid-August during the ORF’s internal election.
Key Figures and Context
Among the notable candidates are Ingrid Thurnher, Gerhard Steinmetz, Alexander Kaufmann, Gerhard Ruscher, and Axel Mayrhofer, all of whom have been frequently mentioned in connection with the role. Thurnher, a seasoned media executive, is seen as a leading contender, while Steinmetz and Kaufmann bring extensive experience from their previous roles in broadcasting.
The vacancy arose after Roland Weißmann stepped down, prompting a swift response from the ORF’s leadership to ensure continuity. The interim director will oversee operations during a critical period for the broadcaster, which faces ongoing challenges in public funding and digital transformation.