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.
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.
Expanded Future Tech to showcase the very best in innovation, technology and talent
After a successful debut in 2025, Future Tech returns to Hall 14 of the RAI this year, with more features, more innovation and more of the technologies shaping the next era of media and entertainment.
Netflix uses GenAI on 300 titles in 2026
Netflix has revealed that nearly 300 titles on its platform have used generative AI, from early concept stages and pre-visualisation through to post-production and release.
Poppy Dixon appointed BBC Head of Documentaries
The BBC has appointed former Sky executive Poppy Dixon as its Head of Documentaries.
Virgin Media launches AI robots to monitor TV network in real-time
Virgin Media has created its own AI robots to monitor its television network quality in real-time in a bid to quickly identify and resolve any issues when they occur.
US government seizes over 1,000 websites streaming FIFA World Cup
Global anti-piracy coalition the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has applauded the US government’s seizure of over 1000 illegal websites streaming the FIFA World Cup over the past month.


