The 58th Adult Education Television Award Celebrates Media as an Educational Tool for Everyone

Vienna (OTS) — The 58th Adult Education Television Awards were presented on June 25, 2026, at the ORF RadioKulturhaus. The Austrian Conference on Adult Education (KEBÖ) honored productions that make knowledge, culture, and social issues accessible to a broad audience—and thereby make an indispensable contribution to media literacy and democratic discourse.

In his opening remarks, Heinz Fischer, former Federal President and President of the Association of Austrian Adult Education Centers, emphasized that this is about more than just entertainment: “By presenting these television awards, we are not merely honoring individual programs or productions. We are honoring an attitude: the commitment to shaping media responsibly; the commitment to focus not just on ratings, but on impact; and the commitment to contributing to democratic coexistence.”

This stance is more urgent today than ever. John Evers, KEBÖ Chair and spokesperson for the jury, highlighted the current challenges: “Journalism in Austria already has its back against the wall due to plummeting revenues, declining employment figures, and a non-transparent funding system. At the same time, calls to weaken public institutions or critical civil society actors are on the rise. That is precisely why it is now crucial to realign media policy: with clear quality criteria, good working conditions, transparent funding, and a consistent commitment to safeguarding independence as a core democratic mission.”

Winners of the 58th Television Awards

In the Literature, Culture, and Art category, the award went to “Ohrenschmaus – Literature for Everyone” (ORF/Good Media Solutions). In the Economic, Democratic, and Political Education category, the award went to “Rent Mafia in Vienna: How Real Estate Sharks Get Rid of Tenants” (OKTO/Moment.at). “Mayrs Magazin” (ORF) won in the category of Science Outreach, Communication, Technical Education, and Digitalization, while “Badeschluss – Das Ende der Schwimmbäder” (ORF) took first place in the category of Sustainability and Future Skills. The award in the category of Human Rights and Society went to “Zu viel, zu laut, zu Frau” (3sat/Holy Screen Media).

Axel Corti Prize for Barbara Wolschek

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Axel Corti Prize to ORF correspondent Barbara Wolschek, who traveled from Washington specifically for the occasion. The jury recognized her commitment to clear, balanced international reporting—especially at a time when disinformation and polarization are shaping public debate. In her acceptance speech, Wolschek emphasized the urgency of political education, asking, “When, if not now?” and urged those present to make more room for social discourse by listening.

Media as an Educational Tool for Everyone

The award-winning entries demonstrate that television can make complex topics understandable, spark social discussions, and make education accessible to everyone. “Especially in an age when information is available at all times, high-quality content is becoming increasingly important. It provides guidance, promotes critical thinking, and strengthens democratic discourse. This is precisely why the Adult Education Television Award has been making an important contribution for many years: It highlights how knowledge, culture, science, and social issues can be made accessible to a broad audience,” said Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Federal Minister responsible for adult education (BMFWF), in her video message.

Questions & Contact
Jury Spokesperson

Dr. John Evers
Telefon: 0699 18917529
E-Mail: john.evers@vhs.or.at

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