Wired for Democracy – Inside Austria’s Parliament
Under the watchful gaze of Pallas Athena, neoclassical columns recall Ancient Greek ideals and Habsburg grandeur. However, Austria’s Parliament stands not merely as an impressive historic marble monument but as a stage for modern democracy.
About the Austrian Parliament
Built in 1883, the Austrian Parliament has recently been completely refurbished after careful planning and construction, balancing heritage conservation with modern demand for transparency, sustainability and functionality. After a six-year renovation, completed in 2023, the political headquarters of Austria has become a stage for modern governance and democratic transparency.
Behind the solemn statues and historic façade, today’s politicians navigate the complex and challenging contemporary landscape, shaped by coalition politics, neutrality, an uncertain geopolitical climate and a rapidly evolving Europe.
What stands out straight away to visitors is how the newly renovated building seems to break down the barrier between elected officials and the people they represent. With transparent glass walls, open galleries, public spaces, modern visitor centres and digital broadcasting, the new design reshapes the institution into a modern Agora, a space where citizens are not just represented, but welcome to participate.
We interviewed Thomas Tauscher, in charge of the Parliament’s Media & Security Technology.
What is your role and the scope of your work at the Austrian Parliament?
Thomas Tauscher: I am responsible for media technology at the Austrian Parliament, overseeing the planning, implementation, and ongoing operation of audiovisual systems.
What were the main drivers behind the decision to modernize the Parliament’s broadcast and security system?
The main reasons for the modernization were technological advancements, the public's growing expectations for transparency, and the need for a future-proof system that meets current standards for quality, security, and accessibility.
What are the most significant technical improvements made to the system (HD, 4K, IP-based broadcasting)?
The entire system was transitioned to IP-based broadcasting. We now use 4K-capable cameras, high-performance video encoders, and software-driven control rooms. This has enabled flexible workflows and significantly enhanced audio and video quality.
What were the challenges of integrating modern technology into a historical building?
The biggest challenge was integrating modern technology into a heritage-protected building. We had to work discreetly and reversibly to preserve historical integrity while ensuring full functionality.
How has the modernization changed the way sessions are filmed and broadcast? Are new cameras or control systems being used?
The use of PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras and automated control workflows has made session broadcasting more efficient and flexible. Manual camera operation has largely been replaced with preset and automated control systems.
Which platforms can citizens now use to watch live or archived sessions and how has the user experience improved?
Citizens can now watch live or on-demand sessions via the Parliament’s website, social media channels, and streaming platforms. Navigation has become more intuitive, and accessible formats are also available.
How do you ensure the reliability of the live broadcast, especially during high-profile or emergency sessions?
We rely on redundancy concepts with backup systems for power, network, and recording. The entire system is monitored around the clock to ensure immediate response in case of any disruption.
What security measures are in place to protect against tampering, disruptions or cyberattacks targeting the broadcast system?
Our systems are protected by segmented networks, access controls, encrypted transmissions, and regular penetration testing.
In what ways do you think this modernization supports political transparency, democracy and citizen participation?
The modernization significantly supports democratic transparency by making political processes visible and accessible. Citizens can stay informed and follow discussions anytime and from anywhere.
Would you like to share any other information?
It’s also worth mentioning the close collaboration with preservation authorities and architects during planning, as well as comprehensive training programs for staff to ensure long-term system operation and support.
What are LEMO connectors used for?
We use LEMO connectors primarily for camera, audio, and control signal transmission. They are known for their high reliability, precision engineering, and suitability for professional broadcast environments.
What is your experience with LEMO connectors?
So far, we have had a very positive experience and have not encountered any operational issues.
Article by Judit Hollos Spoerli, Corporate Communications Manager at LEMO
