Klaus Emmerich, who until he retired was editor in chief of the Austrian broadcaster ORF's news and current affairs service, is a specialist in American politics and is still the station's top political commentator for US affairs.

But in coverage of the election in which Barack Obama was elected president he said: "I do not want the western world being directed by a black man. And if you say this is a racist remark, I say you are damn right it is."

Emmerich also said Obama's election was "a highly disturbing development" because "blacks are not as far advanced in the civilization process nor in their political progress."

Emmerich, 80, has worked as a reporter for 61 years and also said Obama is a "talented man, but a branded man" referring to his skin colour.