Leslie Massey
FM4 is an Austrian national radio station operated by the ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk). Launched in 1995, it initially shared frequencies with the English-language ORF radio station Blue Danube Radio. FM4's programming is characterised by alternative rock and electronic music, as well as a high level of spoken word content, much of which is produced in English. The station has become increasingly popular, both within Austria and beyond, particularly in the German state of Bavaria.
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What You'll Learn
FM4: Austria's national radio station
FM4 is a national radio station in Austria, operated by the ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk). It was launched on the 16th of January 1995 and initially shared frequencies with the English-language ORF radio station Blue Danube Radio, which was created for the United Nations community in Vienna. From its launch until the end of January 2000, FM4 was only on air during the evenings and at night, from 7 pm to 6 am.
The radio station primarily targets a youth audience and has a focus on alternative rock and electronic music. Its programming also includes a significant amount of spoken word content, with a large proportion produced in English. Morning programmes such as Reality Check and Update are broadcast in English, while afternoon shows like Connected and Homebase are in German. FM4 also previously transmitted news updates in French twice a day until 2019 when they were discontinued due to reduced demand.
FM4 has become well-known for its unique format, describing itself as "alternative mainstream". The station has gained popularity not only within Austria but also beyond its borders, particularly in the German state of Bavaria. In 2005, FM4 expanded its reach by holding its first music festival outside of Austria, in Munich. The station's website is an integral part of its concept, featuring reports, articles, and essays on various topics. FM4 also collaborates with other entities to create events like the FM4 Frequency Festival, now the biggest alternative music festival in Austria, featuring artists from the FM4 playlist.
The most famous voice of FM4 is Joe Remick, formerly of Blue Danube Radio. FM4 has released several compilation albums and a DVD to mark its 10th anniversary in 2005. The station can be accessed worldwide through Livestreams as Internet radio.
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FM4's programming: music, current affairs, and spoken word content
FM4 is an Austrian national radio station that targets a youth audience. Its programming includes a mix of music, current affairs, and spoken word content.
Music
FM4's music output is characterised by an alternative rock and electronic music slant. The station has released several compilation albums under its Sound Selection and Sunny Side Up brands. In addition, FM4 has created an online platform called FM4 Soundpark, which allows young musicians to publish their work for free and reach FM4's audience. The station also holds music festivals, such as the FM4 Frequency Festival, which is now the biggest alternative music festival in Austria.
Current Affairs
FM4's current affairs programming includes morning shows such as Reality Check and Update, which are broadcast in English. These programmes provide a mix of news, interviews, and discussions on a range of topics. Until 2019, FM4 also transmitted news updates in French twice a day, but these were discontinued due to reduced demand.
Spoken Word Content
FM4 is known for its high level of spoken word content, much of which is produced in English. In addition to its current affairs programming, FM4 also features a variety of other spoken word programmes, such as interviews, documentaries, and cultural segments. The station's website is an essential part of its concept, with selected web hosts posting reports, articles, and essays on various topics.
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FM4's history: from underground to full-time broadcasting
FM4 is an Austrian national radio station operated by the ORF (Austrian broadcast organization). It was launched on 16 January 1995 and shared its frequencies with the English-language ORF radio station Blue Danube Radio, which was created for the United Nations community in Vienna. From its launch in 1995 until 31 January 2000, FM4 was only on air during the evenings and at night from 7 pm to 6 am, taking over the night shift of Blue Danube Radio.
FM4 was originally supposed to be a "youth" radio station, focusing on alternative music. Its programming is characterised by a high level of spoken word content, much of which is produced in English. The station also has its own news team, delivering newsflashes in English and, until 2019, French.
FM4's popularity grew considerably when it moved to 24-hour broadcasting in 2000, and it became the voice of alternative music culture in Austria. The station has also increased its listenership outside of Austria, most notably in the German state of Bavaria. In 2005, FM4 held its first music festival outside of Austria, in Munich. The website is also an essential part of the FM4 concept, with selected web hosts posting reports, articles, and essays about various topics.
FM4 has become a popular sponsor and host for music events and co-hosts Austria's biggest alternative music festival, the FM4 Frequency Festival. The station's playlists include classic alternative genres like rock, pop, electronica, hip-hop, house, and punk, but they also feature experimental areas.
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FM4's reach: popular in Austria and beyond
FM4 is an Austrian national radio station operated by the ORF. It was launched on 16 January 1995 and initially shared its frequencies with the English-language ORF radio station Blue Danube Radio, created for the United Nations community in Vienna. From its launch in 1995 until 31 January 2000, FM4 was only on air during the evenings and at night from 7 pm-6 am. It was known as an underground radio station during this time.
FM4's main target is a youth audience, and its music output is characterised by an alternative rock and electronic music slant. The station also has a high level of spoken word content, much of which is produced in English. Morning programmes, including current affairs shows like Reality Check and Update, are broadcast in English, while afternoon shows like Connected and Homebase are German-speaking. Until 2019, news updates in French were also transmitted twice a day.
FM4's increasing popularity in Austria and beyond has been attributed to its full-time broadcasting and unique format, described as "alternative mainstream". The station has a distinct multilingual aspect, with English, German, and previously French content, which has attracted listeners both within Austria and in neighbouring countries, most notably the German state of Bavaria.
In addition to its radio broadcasts, FM4 has also gained a following through its website, which features reports, articles, and essays on various topics. The website has become an essential part of the FM4 concept, providing an online platform for young musicians to publish their work through the FM4 Soundpark. FM4 has also sponsored and hosted music events, including the FM4 Frequency Festival, which has become the biggest alternative music festival in Austria. The station has released compilation albums and a DVD, further expanding its reach and popularity.
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Austrian FM Karin Kneissl: her relationship with Russia
FM, in this context, stands for Minister of Foreign Affairs, a government position in Austria. Karin Kneissl, an Austrian diplomat, journalist, and politician, served as the country's FM between 2017 and 2019.
Kneissl has been a figure of controversy due to her close relationship with Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2018, Putin attended her wedding and shared a waltz with her, a move that sparked outrage and criticism in the media. Despite this, Kneissl has continued to advocate for closer relations with Russia. She contributed opinion articles to the Russian government outlet, RT, and in 2021, she joined the board of directors of the state gas company Rosneft.
Kneissl's relationship with Russia became even more controversial after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She had dismissed intelligence reports of the impending invasion as Western "war hysteria." Following the invasion, she resigned from the Rosneft board and emigrated from Austria, citing "death threats" and a "de facto work ban" as reasons for her departure. She rented a home in the Russian town of Petrushovo in 2022 and, in 2023, moved to Saint Petersburg to head the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia's Key Issues (GORKI) at St. Petersburg State University. This move was reportedly aided by the Kremlin, which even helped transport her ponies to Russia.
Kneissl's actions and proximity to Russia have drawn criticism and accusations of legitimizing the country's invasion of Ukraine. However, she has defended her decision to work in Russia, claiming that she was unable to find work in Austria due to a "witch-hunt" and political pressure. Despite the controversy, Kneissl remains one of the most prominent former European politicians to take up jobs in Russia in recent years.
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Frequently asked questions
FM stands for 'Foreign Minister' or Frequency Modulation.
The current FM of Austria is Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who assumed office on March 3, 2025.
FM4 is an Austrian national radio station operated by the ORF. It primarily targets a youth audience with a focus on alternative rock and electronic music.
