ORF Manager Pius Strobl Released from Duties – Compliance Allegations in the Room

According to profil, the release was carried out by ORF Deputy Director General Ingrid Thurnher. According to profil information, Thurnher released Strobl from his duties on Monday. ORF confirmed this to DER STANDARD upon request. Strobl himself did not answer a call from profil.

The release is justified with compliance issues. According to profil, the measure is not directly connected to the criminal investigation into Strobl's voluntary supplementary pension. Rather, according to the report, there are "andere Vorwürfe – und es geht um Compliance". Strobl rejects this and speaks at most of providing support when someone needs help.

Compliance Allegations and Pension

The background includes the allegation that Strobl had been working at ORF for years while earning money with his own companies. He is also said to have offered his services as a consultant to other companies during sick leaves. Strobl had to leave ORF in 2010 but later returned through consulting contracts and eventually again as an employee.

Strobl is considered "Der langjährige Vertraute des früheren Generaldirektors Alexander Wrabetz". Wrabetz reportedly also provided Strobl with a pension exceeding one million euros, whose legality General Director Roland Weißmann called into question. This put Strobl far ahead; Strobl earns roughly more than ORF General Director Roland Weißmann did most recently. The review of this pension is the subject of investigations by the public prosecutor's office.

Connection to the Harassment Affair Involving Weißmann

The case gains additional explosiveness due to an ORF employee who accuses Weißmann of sexual harassment and works in Strobl's area. Weißmann's side suspects that Strobl played a role in the background. Strobl himself rejects the allegations.

In the afternoon at 2 p.m., the Finance Committee of the Foundation Council convenes, where a report is to be given. The release is considered a preliminary measure under service law and is not equivalent to a termination. The profil editorial team has summarized Strobl's line of defense; ORF's own communication is keeping a low profile on the details.

Next Steps in the Foundation Council

The developments at the Küniglberg are also being closely followed in Viennese media politics, as ORF as a public-law broadcaster is subject to special oversight. The public prosecutor's office is reviewing the legality of the pension granted to Strobl. Should the compliance suspicion be substantiated, consequences under labor law and, if applicable, criminal law could follow.