The Director General of Austrian national broadcaster ORF has resigned over allegations of sexual harassment, two months before the network is due to host the Eurovision Song Contest.
The departure of Roland Weissmann was announced by the ORF board this week after an ORF employee made allegations of sexual harassment. Weissmann denies the allegations.
.jpg)
Ingrid Thurnher, the public broadcaster’s Radio Director, is provisionally taking over the leadership of the ORF.
Weissmann had headed ORF for four years. The broadcaster was due to decide later this year if he would get a second five-year term or a new Director General would be appointed.
Weissmann has worked for ORF for 30 years, joining the broadcaster in the mid-1990s and rising through the ranks.
ORF is hosting this year’s Eurovision because Austria won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with the performance of “Wasted Love” by singer JJ. This year’s Eurovision, which includes the final on May 16 and two semi-final events on May 12 and 14.
Paolo Petrecca, Director of Rai Sport at Italian state broadcaster Rai, recently resigned after a series of commentary errors during the Milano-Cortina Olympics opening ceremony. Discover more here.
.webp)
France Télévisions and TDF test 5G broadcast of Diagonale des Fous
For the mountain ultramarathon Diagonale des Fous, TDF has rolled out a 5G broadcast trial in partnership with France Télévisions, Antenne Réunion, and Web TV Grand Raid.
 (1).jpg)
CNN and Financial Times sign AI deal with Google
CNN has signed a strategic multi-year partnership with Google, which will see the organisation provide enhanced content rights for Google’s generative AI news product pilots.
 (1).jpeg)
150 students take over On Air 2026’s five-channel broadcast
On Air 2026 will see 150 students take charge of the Media Talent Manifesto (MTM) broadcast’s 24-hour culture, news, sport, film, and kids channels on 22–23 October 2026.
.jpg)
IBC calls for Challenge submissions for 2027 Accelerators
IBC has launched the official call for Challenge submissions for its 2027 Accelerator Media Innovation Programme.
 (1).jpg)
BBC Three and BBC Scotland linear channels to close
The BBC has confirmed the closure of BBC Three, BBC Scotland, and BBC Radio 4 Extra linear broadcast services in spring 2027.
.jpg)
 (1).jpg)
