Austria in EU hotseat with broadcasters in uproar over 'political muzzle'
By Jane Whyatt
As Austria assumes the Presidency of the European Council, its own public service broadcasters are protesting about alleged ’political censorship’. And opposition politicians fear the TV licence fee may be used as a financial weapon to attack the broadcaster’s political neutrality.
The logo of Austria's presidency. Image: EU Commission
The row blew up after Alexander Wrabetz, director-general of the public broadcaster ÖRF sent a memo to journalists and presenters in the TV and radio services. It warned them not to tweet or post on Facebook messages that criticise politicians. And that meant they must also refrain from commenting on politics…
