SES, a leading satellite operator, has extended its existing agreements with Austrian public broadcaster ORF and its content distribution subsidiary ORS Group for the distribution of their television programming via satellite. The multi-year deal covers the transmission of ORF's national TV channels, including ORF 1 HD, ORF 2 HD, ORF 3 HD, ORF Sport plus HD, regional programs from the Austrian federal states, and ORF's radio stations.
According to Harald Kräuter, Director of Technology and Digitisation at ORF, "Satellite remains the leading platform for TV reception in Austria and is therefore crucial for the distribution of ORF’s TV and radio programmes.” He added, "With this contract extension, we are able to provide our audience with the highest quality programming via satellite as part of our distribution strategy, underscoring that linear TV will continue to be a key reception method for many years to come.”
Michael Wagenhofer, Managing Director of ORS Group, also expressed satisfaction with the renewed partnership: “For many years, SES has been a key partner in the distribution of ORF’s linear programming and for numerous national and international channels carried by ORS,” he said. “I am very pleased that we will continue this trusted partnership in the future.”
Norbert Hölzle, Global Head of Media at SES, emphasized the significance of satellite broadcasting for Austria: “The long-term extension of our agreement reaffirms the importance of satellite broadcasting for Austria,” he said. “For a country with such diverse topography, satellite TV provides the ideal solution to reach every household with content in the highest image quality – something that is even more critical for a public broadcaster like ORF.”
With over 50% of Austrian households relying on satellite TV, the SES satellites at 19.2° East play a vital role by broadcasting TV channels directly to over 2 million households. This includes the ORF programs and the services of ORS Group's national and international partners.