Austria's ESC victory: shining moment or financial nightmare for ORF?

Austria's ESC victory: shining moment or financial nightmare for ORF?

Austria won the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. The countertenor Johannes Pietsch, better known as JJ, impressed with his song “Wasted Love” and secured Austria's third victory at the ESC, after successes in 1966 and 2014. The victory is not only a reason for celebration, but also brings with it considerable challenges. Austria will serve as host broadcaster of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024, but ORF is under significant financial pressure.

The budget for holding the ESC 2025 in Basel was around 64 million euros, and similar costs are also expected for the 2026 event. ORF has to raise at least 30 million euros from its own budget, which worries those responsible. ORF boss Roland Weißmann expressed these concerns and program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz described the situation as a “serious show of strength”. At the same time, the ORF must implement a savings package of 325 million euros by 2026.

Financial challenges and political pressure

The ORF's financial difficulties are complex. Since the change from the GIS fee to a household fee, income has stagnated. In addition, advertising revenue is falling due to competition in the digital sector. According to the Berlin newspaper The ORF is also burdened by political conditions, as the FPÖ is demanding cuts in the station. Austria's general financial situation contributes to the challenge: national debt exceeds 400 billion euros, and the cities also have high debts, with Vienna having around 11.9 million euros and Graz 1.7 billion euros.

The Olympics and other major events require solid financial planning, but the burden could also have an impact on other shows in the ORF program. The broadcaster could theoretically forego hosting the ESC, but this would not be in the interests of prestige and cultural significance.

Positive voices and outlook

Despite major financial challenges, there are positive voices within the ORF that encourage the event to be successful. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen congratulated after the victory and praised JJ's achievement, which strengthens national pride and optimism. However, the pressure on the ORF remains as those responsible prepare to organize the ESC 2026 in an economically viable framework.

The ESC victory was a cause for joy for Austria, but financial worries overshadowed this triumph. The coming steps to organize the competition could be crucial, not only for the ORF, but also for the entire Austrian music world.