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Martin Harjung, Head of Words Ö3 #50 How important is a close relationship with the citizens? There was much to talk about and discuss in this last crisis-ridden year: personal responsibility, cohesion, solidarity, the rule of law and much more.
This was also the case on the afternoon of 3 November. The day after the biggest terrorist attack in the Second Republic. The first day of the second Corona Lockdown. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen is a guest in the Ö3 studio. The President talks to Ö3 listeners about their worries, fears and doubts. He reassures, calls for cohesion and outlines ways out of the crisis.
It is a classic Ö3 format, typical of the strengths of public service broadcasting. For decades, Ö3 listeners have been discussing with opinion leaders from business, politics, science - but also among themselves. Problems are discussed and concerns are voiced. With 2.6 million listeners, Ö3 is a communication channel, a mediator between one and the other. And this is how "digital" can also succeed: As a community. Because all protagonists are part of the "Ö3 community", a community with clear democratic principles: Respect, attitude, discussion at eye level, listening, allowing other opinions to be valid.
And for a long time this has not only happened acoustically and linearly. The questions come via social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), via the Ö3 homepage. You can listen to the programme and look it up on the Ö3 homepage, the Ö3 app, the ORF radio station and in the various social media channels.
360-degree presentation of the programme and the Ö3 community. Participating in the activities and campaigns whenever and wherever you want is the goal of the digital Ö3 strategy. Reaching Ö3 listeners outside the linear timeline. A matter of course for a digitally socialised audience.
Ö3 has always been not only radio in the classical sense, but also a community medium: the "Ö3 - community". It is a reflection of the enlightened Austrian society and stands for an attitude towards life in all distribution channels: attitude, optimism, diversity, solidarity.
In other words: a piece of community in turbulent times.