Vienna International Media Industry News

Read the latest headlines about developments in the international media industry in Vienna and Austria

Schallenberg, Kulhánek and Korčok Condemn Violence Against Journalists

The three Foreign Ministers from Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of free journalism. The commentary was published in newspapers from the respective countries, a summary of the statement can be read below.

May 4, 2021

Austria Implements Funding for Ethnic Group Media

After the increase of funding for ethnic groups in Austria in general about half a year ago, Susanne Raab, the Minister of the Chancellery responsible for ethnic group affairs, has now announced a separate budget for ethnic group media, which can be applied for in the near future.

April 20, 2021

Austria Enters for the First Time as U.S. Exits Top Ten in Bloomberg's Innovation Index

Austria moves up one place to 10th place in the latest Bloomberg Innovation Index, while the U.S. dropped out of a top 10 that features a cluster of European countries. The Bloomberg index analyzes dozens of criteria using seven equally weighted metrics, including research and development spending, manufacturing capability and concentration of high-tech public companies.

March 2, 2021

Austrian Initiative Receives Civil Society Solidarity Award

The Austrian initiative #EUROPAgegenCOVID19 has received the European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC) Civil Society Solidarity Award for its effort in the Covid-19 crisis. The non-profit organization focuses on debunking false theories and myths with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 16, 2021

Further Increase of Investment Subsidy

The Austrian government has decided to increase its budget for investment subsidies. The high demand for this subsidy by companies located in Austria has exceeded the expectations of the government and is therefore adjusted upwards by another EUR 1 billion in order to further promote investments into digitalization, sustainability and other sectors.

November 30, 2020

Day Against Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists: Schallenberg Commits to Safety

On the occasion of the International Day against Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, Foreign Minister Schallenberg calls for more decisive action by the international community. He demands an increase in effort by every country to protect journalists around the world.

November 3, 2020

Van der Bellen at Viennale 2020: "We Need the Film"

The 58th Viennale is currently taking place despite Covid-19 and all the regulations that are in place. Federal President Van der Bellen and director of the festival, Eva Sangiorgi, both emphasize the importance of film even though the pandemic has impacted the industry dramatically.

October 23, 2020

EU Prize for Young Journalists Goes to Austrian

The European Commission celebrates two budding journalists from Austria and Portugal with the Megalizzi-Niedzielski Award 2020. Their commitment to quality journalism and to the values of the EU is highly appreciated by EU Commissioner Ferreira.

October 13, 2020

Launch of the European Month for Cyber Security 2020

A joint information campaign of Europol and its partners will once again host the European Month for Cyber Security. This event should help the prevention of cyber crime by raising awareness and providing information to individuals and organizations.

October 2, 2020

Increase of Budget for Investment Subsidies to EUR 2 Billion

The Austrian Government has announced a budget increase for investment subsidies. A high demand and investment volume in the first three weeks of the application period has lead to this decision that is welcomed by the Federal Chamber of Commerce.

September 23, 2020

Digital Days 2020 on the "Digital Capital of the People"

The Digital Days 2020 organized by the City of Vienna will be held as an online conference with the main theme being "Digital Capital of the People". It will take place from September 30 to October 1 and registration is free of charge.

September 14, 2020

Foreign Trade Has Partially Recovered from Crisis

According to the latest report from Statistics Austria, imports and exports are only slightly behind last year's number indicating an upwards trend after Covid-19 has impacted foreign trade significantly.

September 8, 2020

WKO Secretary General: Labor Market Situation Improves, But Remains Great Challenge

The secretary general of Austria's Federal Chamber of Commerce WKO recognizes a slightly positive trend in the labor market but underlines the importance of ongoing and future economic measures.

September 7, 2020

Biggest Ars Electronica Will Include 120 Locations

120 locations around the globe will feature performances organized by the Ars Electronica in Linz. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, the festival organizers have once again surpassed the dimensions of the recent years.

September 2, 2020

Economic Sentiment in Austria and the EU Brightened Further in August

Businesses and the population of the EU still have below-average economic sentiment although the expectations improved over the last month. The sharp decline due to Covid-19 is made up by about 60 % already.

August 31, 2020

President Van der Bellen at the Salzburg Festival: "Artists Need All Our Support"

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen invited his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier accompanied by Elke Büdenbender to a festival and working visit in Salzburg. Both presidents agreed on the fact that artists are in a very difficult situation at the moment and need to be supported.

August 24, 2020

Vienna Based UNIDO Holds Expert Panel to Discuss Developments in Industry and Society

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization hosted an expert panel about the future of industry and society. Main topics were the advancement of attaining the sustainable development goals and shaping society as a whole.

August 21, 2020

Digital Tax: Google Charges Customers

The search engine operator Google wants to collect the new digital tax, which has been levied in Austria since January on income from online advertising by international corporations, in its entirety from its advertising customers.

January 31, 2020

Hollywood in Austria's Mountains - Avalanche Drama Film Follows Current Avalanche Danger

In Tyrol, a Hollywood drama about a married couple whose perfectly believed family life gets completely out of balance when they barely escape an avalanche is currently in the making. Austrian film funding supports the production of "Downhill" with Will Farell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. With a shooting time of 8 weeks, an added value of 7 million Euros and 10,000 overnight stays is expected.

January 18, 2019

Bodyguard - The Musical at the Ronacher in Vienna

On 27 September 2018, the Austrian premiere of the successful international production "Bodyguard" will take place in Vienna's Ronacher, based on one of the greatest blockbusters of all time. Bodyguard replaces the cult musical "Dance of the Vampires", which recently celebrated its acclaimed Dernière.

September 14, 2018

Cooperation with the Indian Film Industry: Bollywood in Austria

Indian production companies visit potential film locations in Austria for future films. With the aim of exploring Austria as a backdrop for future Bollywood films, six producers from India's most renowned production houses will be visiting Austria from 9 to 15 September 2018.

September 7, 2018

Telekom Austria AG / A1 Telekom Austria Group announces redemption of Hybrid bond 2013

The A1 Telekom Austria Group (VSE: TKA, OTC US: TKAGY) announces that the Management Board of Telekom Austria AG adopted a resolution today to call and redeem the EUR 600 mn hybrid bond issued by Telekom Austria AG in 2013 (ISIN XS0877720986) (the 'Hybrid Bonds').

January 5, 2018

UniCredit Bank Austria Named Best Trade Finance Bank in Austria

US financial magazine Global Finance selected Bank Austria for the eighth time in a row "Best Trade Finance Bank" in Austria.

January 21, 2016

Press Freedom: Every Fifth Day a Journalist is Killed at Work

According to a report from Unesco, worldwide more than 700 reporters have been killed from 2006 to 2014 in the exercise of their profession. On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the OSCE Representative calls on participating States to step up their investigations.

November 2, 2015

The Miss Earth Beauty Pageant is Coming to Vienna

Miss Earth, an annual international beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness is celebrating its 15th year in Vienna. Along with its rivals Miss Universe and Miss World, Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals and one of the most publicized beauty contests in the world. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote specific projects and often address issues concerning the environment and other global issues. Climate Change will be the focus of Miss Earth for its Crystal Year celebration. Around 90 delegates from all over the world will be arriving on November 18, to start their activities and converge at the Marx Halle in Vienna on December 5, 2015 for the Coronation Night.

October 9, 2015

Eva Steindorfer Awarded the LGT Media Prize 2015

The work of three outstanding journalistis work was honored at an event in the Liechtenstein Palace in Vienna with the LGT media award for quality financial and business reporting. Eva Steindorfer was awarded the LGT Media Prize 2015.

February 25, 2015

State Holding ÖIAG to be Renamed ÖBIB

Austrian state holding ÖIAG is going to be turned into a limited liability company (GesmbH) called "ÖBIB" Österreichische Bundes- und Industriebeteiligungsholding, which will be permitted to make new acquisitions and which will report directly to the Finance Ministry.

January 13, 2015

European Startups in Vienna: Entering a New Age of Pioneering

From October 29th startups will compete for the attention of investors and companies in Vienna. The application for the Pioneers Challenge has just begun. Start-ups have no easy job to enthuse investors for their ideas. But Vienna offers one of the best ways to do just that: During the Pioneers Festival in late October young companies can secure the attention of potential donors and inspire other companies and media for their innovations.

September 18, 2014

Netflix: "We are Proud to Bring the Future of Television to Austria"

Netflix, the American provider of on-demand Internet streaming media followed up its launches in France and Germany by adding Austria to the list of countries in which its streaming services is available. The comapny intends to capture a third of the market share. The company was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Los Gatos, California. It started its subscription-based digital distribution service in 1999. By 2009, Netflix was offering a collection of 100,000 titles on DVD and had surpassed 10 million subscribers. By July 2014 Netflix has subscribers in over 40 countries.

September 17, 2014

Ederer Resigns as Supervisory Board Member of OIAG

Brigitte Ederer resigns as supervisory board member and leaves state holding company OIAG.

September 9, 2014

Eurovision Song Contest 2015: The Winner is Vienna

"As an internationally-minded city, Vienna is the best venue for this event, and will prove its cosmopolitan nature to the international public. Most importantly, we want the Song Contest on 23 May 2015 to be a cause for celebration for everyone in Vienna - locals and guests alike." says Mayor Michael Häupl.

August 6, 2014

Analysis: Telecom Liechtenstein AG

Telecom Liechtenstein AG ist eine Aktiengesellschaft liechtensteinischen Rechts mit Sitz in Vaduz. Die TLI war bisher zu 100 % im Eigentum des Fürstentums Liechtenstein. Nun hat A1 Telekom Austria (mit Mobilkom Liechtenstein) 24.9 Prozent der Anteile übernommen.

July 1, 2014

Siegfried Wolf New OIAG Supervisory Board Chairman

OIAG's supervisory board has appointed Siegfried Wolf as the new Chairman of the supervisory board.

June 27, 2014

Austrian Export Award 2014 for Above-Average Export Commitment

As part of a festive gala evening in Vienna's Museumsquartier, the Austrian Export Prize 2014 has been awarded by the Federal Minister for Science, Research and Economics, Reinhold Mitterlehner, and the President of the Economic Chamber Austria (WKO) Christoph Leitl.

June 26, 2014

Telekom Austria AG / Telekom Austria Group announces EUR 400 million impairment of its Bulgarian subsidiary Mobiltel (Ad-hoc)

Today the Telekom Austria Group (VSE: TKA, OTC US: TKAGY) announces that it will book an impairment of approx. EUR 400 mn for its Bulgarian asset Mobiltel as a result of the company's ongoing regular sensitivity analyses. This impairment is primarily due to an increase in the cost of capital of the Bulgarian segment and changed expectations with regard to medium-term macroeconomic developments in Bulgaria, as well as related market effects which affect the valuation of Telekom Austria Group's business plan for the Bulgarian segment.

June 25, 2014

Hanna Kordik Awarded the Prize for Outstanding Economic Journalism

Hanna Kordik was awarded the prestigious Horst Knapp Prize in a ceremony. The eulogy was delivered by Ewald Nowotny, Governor of Oesterreichische Nationalbank, in his capacity as chairman of an independent jury. The speaker at the award ceremony was the industrialist Hannes Androsch.

June 10, 2014

ÖIAG: Trade Unions Sue Management and Supervisory Board

Trade unions have allegedly sued the management and supervisory board of ÖIAG, in relation to the Telekom Austria shareholder syndicate agreement, daily WirtschaftsBlatt reports in its Thursday issue.

May 22, 2014

Telekom Austria AG / ÖIAG and América Móvil sign syndicate agreement

In its 327th session the ÖIAG supervisory board has approved the formation of a syndicate agreement between ÖIAG and Carso Telecom B.V., Amsterdam as well as América Móvil. The syndicate agreement has already been signed.

April 23, 2014 · Updated: May 22, 2014; 00:00

Swiss Telecoms Services Provider TalkEasy to Enter the Austrian Market

TalkEasy aims to target the unhappy customers of Telekom Austria, which recently raised its tariffs substantially.

May 12, 2014

Telekom Austria: Considerable Losses in Croatia

Telekom Austria’s Croatian affiliate Vipnet saw a sharp decline in profits.

May 9, 2014

Bulgarian Mobile Affiliate of Telekom Austria Posts Loss in Profits

In the first quarter of 2014 revenues of Mobiltel, Bulgarian mobile operator and affiliate of Telekom Austria, dropped 6.4 percent year-on-year.

May 9, 2014

Bulgaria: FDI Keeps Increasing

FDI (foreign direct investments) increased by € 1,229.4m in Bulgaria in 2013 while equity capital came at € 953.4m last year.

February 18, 2014

Czech Republic: New Government Confirmed

Seven weeks after the national elections, the Czech Social Democrats (CSSD) have agreed to form a coalition with ANO and the Christian Democrats (KDU-CSL).

December 11, 2013

Austria: Federation of Trade Unions Warns of Privatizations

The Austrian Federation of Trade Unions warns the Austrian state not to push through with further privatizations.

December 11, 2013

Telekom Austria: Massive Capital Increase Ahead

In order to implement its expansion strategy, the Austrian telecommunication group will carry out a capital increase next year. In total, the capital requirement comes at € 1.0bn.

October 25, 2013

Romania Plans Next Privatization

According to the Romanian government, Romtelecom may be partly privatized via the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

October 23, 2013

Telekom Austria: No Need for Capital Increase

Against all rumors, Telekom Austria is doing just fine. As reported by “Handelsblatt” insiders claim that a capital increase, which was speculated on, is currently not an issue.

October 18, 2013

Telekom Austria: No Expansion into Serbia

For Telekom Austria, the entry in Serbia fails for the second time. The Austrian telecommunication group will not submit an offer for Serbia Broadband (SBB).

October 10, 2013

Slovenia to Decide about Selling of Telekom Slovenije

The Slovenian government will decide upon the fate of Telekom Slovenije on Thursday, October 3.

October 1, 2013

Poland: Warsaw Stock Exchange to Introduce WIG30

The new index covers thirty enterprises instead of formerly twenty and reduced the dominance of the banking industry.

September 23, 2013