The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is scheduled to launch its own internet radio station on January 17. “Austria First”—which the party describes as the “first Austrian patriotic radio station,” offering 24-hour programming of music, news, and information.
The move represents a further step in the party’s media expansion.
FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced in a video message on Thursday that the station will officially launch in Klagenfurt at the traditional New Year’s meeting. The station will be available nationwide as an internet radio station at www.austriafirst.at and through its own smartphone app.
The party says the station, with the motto “My country, my radio,” will provide “good music and real news,” setting itself apart from the “mainstream media,” and aims to appeal to listeners who “carry Austria in their hearts.”
The “Austria First” initiative has been the subject of much speculation. The FPÖ had unveiled the name and logo of the project several times before, but the exact plans remained unclear.
