ORF Savings Plans: Future of "Millionenshow" and Other Programs Uncertain

The show "Universum – Die Show" with Mirjam Weichselbraun, which was only introduced this year, is to have one more episode produced to make it suitable for reruns.

The "Millionenshow," hosted by Armin Assinger since 2002, is particularly in focus. According to internal cancellation lists reported by "Kurier," the show, produced by Endemol in Cologne, could be discontinued next year. The annual costs amount to around five million euros. Assinger himself expressed himself "a little surprised" by the reports. His contract expires at the end of the year, and an extension is open.

ORF Contradicts Regarding "Millionenshow"

The ORF itself clearly stated its position on the "Millionenshow" when asked: "Regarding the reports surrounding the Millionenshow, we maintain that the show will continue to exist on ORF after 2026." However, regarding other formats, it was stated: "Rumors about individual programs and potential cancellation lists will not be commented on."

The sports sector is also affected by the realignment. The Bundesliga highlight magazine will in future only be broadcast on Sundays from 6:30 PM to 7:25 PM, no longer on both weekend days. This raises questions about the future of "Sport am Sonntag."

Political Causes of the Financial Gap

The background to the savings pressure includes the planned abolition of the federal subsidy by the ÖVP. This payment compensated for the loss of input tax deduction after the switch to the ORF household fee. Additionally, due to the freezing of the contribution at 15.30 euros, the ORF has to save around 54 million euros in 2027 alone.

Should the additional savings package become a reality, the program directorate would have to manage with approximately 60 million euros less than in 2026 – which corresponds to about a quarter of its budget. Thurnher warned: "The audience will feel it."

Producers Sound the Alarm

Producer associations such as Film Austria and aafp have sounded the alarm. They fear that the cuts will primarily affect program content for which there are no long-term contractual commitments. In the film and series sector, however, the ORF intends to proceed as cautiously as possible.

In previous discussions, the Radio Symphony Orchestra and the satellite distribution of ORF Sport+ were also mentioned as potential areas for savings, which were linked to the retention of the input tax deduction compensation. However, an official list of institutions or projects whose continued existence would be tied to this compensation does not currently exist.

According to a resolution by the Supervisory Board, the drastic cuts must be coordinated with the newly elected management. The ORF emphasized that the program strategy measures are intended to ensure the continued financing of the public service mandate and high-rating prime-time offerings. The coming years are "extremely challenging from an economic perspective."