April 8, 2026, 2:18 p.mApril 8, 2026, 2:18 p.m
According to the broadcaster, an investigation into the behavior of the former director of the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), Roland Weissmann, did not confirm the allegations of sexual harassment.
In view of the high demands placed on the company’s managers, his employment relationship will nevertheless be terminated, the public broadcaster ORF announced.
Roland Weissmann.Image: www.imago-images.de
Weissmann resigned from his position as director at the beginning of March, but he remained at ORF as an employee. The station announced at the time that an employee had accused it of sexual harassment. According to Weissmann’s lawyer, however, it was about alleged inappropriate behavior towards the woman. Weissmann denied the allegations.
ORF expects a “high level of integrity” from managers
Even if there is no sexual harassment in the legal sense, the ORF demands “a very high level of integrity” from its managers, the broadcaster made clear after the investigation was completed. Managers must refrain from doing anything that could harm the company. Therefore, the 58-year-old’s service contract will be terminated, the broadcaster said.
Weissmann’s lawyer criticized this step. The accusation of sexual harassment collapsed, the lawyer said in a statement. ORF statements about alleged violations of ethical standards are “a transparent attempt to construct misconduct despite clear exoneration.”
Long-time ORF journalist and manager Ingrid Thurnher is currently running the station. In August, a new ORF director will be elected for the period from January 2027. (sda/dpa)