The presenter was born on June 5, 1940 in Vienna. From 1972 to 2002 he was head of the Vienna recording studio for the program “Aktenzeichen XY… unsolved”, after replacing Teddy Podgorski, who took on another role at ORF. During his 31 years on the show, he presented Austrian search reports and tips for unsolved cases.
Wide exposure through moon landing moderation
He was also the head of the ORF teletext for a long time and appeared as a co-commentator on the historic live broadcast of the first moon landing, which made him widely known among the Austrian audience. ORF General Director Roland Weißmann reacted “with great shock and deep regret” to the death of the popular ORF journalist and presenter.
“Peter Nidetzky was a true pioneer of Austrian broadcasting who played a key role in shaping the ORF over the decades – from the commentary on the first moon landing to the TV classic ‘Aktenzeichen XY… unsolved’ and much more. Peter Nidetzky has this with his work and his versatility Gained the trust of the viewers and made television history. Our condolences go out to his family,” emphasized the ORF general director.
Moderation of the moon landing
Peter Nidetzky moderated the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969 on ORF.
Engaged in equestrian sports
With his serious manner and dedication, he became a TV icon over the decades. In addition to his television work, Nidetzky was also involved in equestrian sports and supported it as president of the Lower Austrian regional association.
For years, the ORF man organized the Horse Festival in the Vienna City Hall and served as President of the State Association for Riding and Driving in Lower Austria as well as Federal Representative for Show Jumping in the Federal Association for Riding and Driving in Austria (FENA). The equestrian sports fan published several books about riding. Nidetzky’s daughter Katharina is married to Nehammer.
Chancellor cancels appointment
Nidetzky was Nehammer’s father-in-law, who canceled an exploratory meeting with the SPÖ on Monday in order to support his family. The ÖVP and SPÖ round in the Palais Epstein, originally scheduled for Monday afternoon, has been postponed.
Deep sadness for Peter Nidetzky
“I reacted to the news of his death with great sadness. I will always remember Peter Nidetzky as a commentator on the historic live broadcast of the first moon landing,” said city boss Ludwig. And further: “Peter Nidetzky was an excellent moderator whose work, among other things, made our entire country safer,” said Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig on the news of the moderator’s death.
The Vienna People’s Party also reacted with great dismay. “With Peter Nidetzky we are not only losing one of the most famous voices on Austrian television, but also a person who won trust and respect among the audience with his objective and committed manner,” said ÖVP Vienna boss Karl Mahrer.
