Head of Eurovision broadcaster ORF resigns

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.

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.