A New Era in Austrian Sports Broadcasting: ORF’s Strategic Shift

A New Era in Austrian Sports Broadcasting: ORF’s Strategic Shift

ORF Opts out of Broadcasting ÖFB Matches in European Championship

The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) has made a significant decision regarding its sports coverage. In a surprising shift, ORF has announced that it will not be broadcasting the games of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) team in the upcoming European Championship, slated to take place in Germany next year. Instead, the state-owned broadcaster has chosen to telecast 20 other matches from this prestigious event. This leaves the remaining games, including those featuring the ÖFB team, to be aired on the private broadcaster “ServusTV”.

Reasoning Behind the Decision

Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, the Program Director at ORF, offered some insight into this decision. According to Groiss-Horowitz, this move is part of the broadcaster’s responsibility in using its license fee revenue judiciously. The objective is not to monopolize the broadcasting space but to allow other freely receivable channels to have their share of coverage. This decision reflects ORF’s commitment to ensure a balanced approach in broadcasting, giving room for other channels to breathe and thrive.

Changes to the Broadcasting of Europa League and Conference League Matches

In addition to the changes in the coverage of the European Championship, ORF has also announced alterations to its broadcasting of other football leagues. Starting from the 2024/25 season, ORF will cease broadcasting Europa League and Conference League matches. This forms part of the strategic shift in ORF’s sports coverage, focusing on the responsible management of its resources and providing space for other broadcasters.

UEFA Champions League Faces a Broadcast Change

While changes are afoot with the European Championship and Europa League, the UEFA Champions League is set for a significant shift too. “ServusTV”, which currently broadcasts the UEFA Champions League, is planning to step back from the premier league from the 2024/25 season onwards. In its stead, the pay-TV channel “Canal+ Austria” will take over the broadcasting rights for the esteemed league. This decision marks a major shift in the landscape of sports broadcasting in Austria.

Implications of the Changes

The changes announced by ORF signify a new era in Austria’s sports broadcasting domain. The decision to refrain from broadcasting ÖFB’s matches in the upcoming European Championship, the plan to discontinue airing Europa League and Conference League matches from the 2024/25 season, and the transition of UEFA Champions League broadcasting rights from “ServusTV” to “Canal+ Austria” are all indicative of ORF’s redefined approach. This strategic shift is intended to manage its license fee revenue responsibly while also sharing the broadcasting space with other free-to-air channels. As the broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, these changes are set to redefine the way Austrian audiences consume their favourite sports.