It is important to him that "real journalism" is promoted, not "subservient reporting," he said on Monday at the Ministry of Media during a conference on media and democracy. Social media algorithms are also to be addressed.

"Global conflicts and multiple crises shape our time," said Babler. Democratic values are being questioned worldwide, in Europe, and in Austria. Free and independent media are a counterforce to authoritarian tendencies, playing an essential role for democracy. They control power and enable democratic debates, according to Babler. Therefore, it is important to strengthen them.

Saving on Advertisements, Investing in Media Funding

He did not want to reveal in detail what the cornerstones of the newly established media funding should look like. Just this much: He considers it a good idea to save on advertisement allocation and invest more in regulated media funding, linking it to serious journalistic criteria.

This year, a process for a larger ORF reform is also to be initiated. The "grievances" that have come to light in recent weeks are "a true catastrophe," Babler said. The ORF must now provide clarity, and abuse of power and structural disadvantage of women must no longer occur.

Babler: ORF "Freer and Stronger" After Reform

However, the debate should not be used to attack the ORF entirely. It provides a common reality and operates in areas that are no longer profitable for other media. The Media Minister is convinced that the ORF will be "freer and stronger" after the reform.

Taming Social Media Algorithms

State Protection Secretary Jörg Leichtfried (SPÖ) spoke on Monday at the conference about rampant misogyny and sexualized violence on the internet. "These are attacks on our democracy itself," said the SPÖ politician. When algorithms massively amplify hate and disinformation, it becomes a matter of democratic responsibility and national security to "tame" them. He wants to hold the platforms "massively accountable." "If it is possible to fly around the moon, then algorithms can also be technically regulated," said Leichtfried.

For Babler, it is also a "high priority" to get a grip on the algorithms. They are in exchange with experts on this matter.

Brodnig: Algorithms Only Part of the Problem

Digital expert Ingrid Brodnig noted in a keynote that algorithms are only part of the problem. Some platform features - such as beauty filters - are also concerning. Currently, many proceedings are underway against large international platforms, and the EU Commission is also exercising "severe criticism" of them. However, not much concrete has happened yet, Brodnig lamented. This may be due to the fact that the USA exerts pressure - for example, through tariffs - and does not support stricter tech regulation in Europe.

According to the expert, it is "counterproductive" that politicians are still present on platforms like X. "Why support a platform that is oriented the way it is?" Brodnig wondered. One could also engage in a bit of media promotion oneself. "We will have to learn more to distribute our attention and resources where it makes sense for democracy," said Brodnig.

(APA/Red)

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