RÖI was launched in 1955 by order of the Federal Chancellery[citation needed] with the objective of increasing awareness of Austria in other countries.

The most prominent programs were: RÖI News content was produced by various ORF national radio stations.

In 2000, the Federal Chancellery, under the cabinet Schüssel reduced the station's budget, leading to fewer programs.

To cut costs, existing recorded programs from other national broadcasters were rebroadcast - for example, including Radio Ö1, FM4 and Ö3.

At the end of 2003, despite protests from staff and members of the public, the National Board of Governors formally dissolved Radio Österreich International, ostensibly for financial reasons.