Hungarian public television suspends news broadcasting

Hungary's public television has temporarily halted its news programming as part of a government-led review aimed at making the state media service independent and credible. The decision comes amid significant political changes following the recent election victory of Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s party, Tisza, which defeated the long-ruling Fidesz party led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The main channel of Hungary’s public television, M1, currently displays a black screen with the message: “Public media must not lie. We apologize for having done so for many years. We are reviewing the public media with the aim of making them independent and credible in the future. News programming is temporarily suspended. Please stay with us.” This move marks a dramatic shift in the country’s media landscape, signaling a departure from the previous administration’s influence over public broadcasting. According to reports, the new government has already replaced the leadership of the public radio and television network, unofficially replacing several editors within the organization. Magyar, in a statement on Facebook, described the day as historic, stating, “The propaganda on the public media service has ended. They lied all night, they lied during the day, they lied on every frequency. That is now over.” He also noted that the public radio station Kossuth has ceased its news broadcasts as well. MTVA, Hungary’s national media group, announced that M1 would continue airing films in the evening but will not include news content until a new editorial team is established. The transition period involves gradually reintroducing news programs while setting up a new management structure. Meanwhile, classical music programming from the Bartók Radio has taken over the airwaves of Kossuth. Orbán, responding to the developments on social media, referred to the situation as a “new example of tyranny,” criticizing the current government for undermining media freedom. He urged viewers to watch channels associated with his Fidesz party, which previously held power for 16 years before losing the April parliamentary elections. Magyar had promised during the campaign to thoroughly review the conditions within the public media house, believing that under Orbán’s rule, the public service had functioned primarily as a propaganda tool for Fidesz. During his campaign, he emphasized the desire for a balanced and objective news program from the public RTV establishment. In June, the Hungarian parliament approved a reform of public media, which had been heavily funded under Orbán’s administration. The reform plans to establish a new television and radio station from existing public media companies, while the press agency MTI will once again become an independent non-profit organization. The parliament will allocate funds lower than the approximately 450 million euros given this year. Under the new legislation, existing senior management was dismissed, and the leadership of these media outlets has been taken over by Culture Minister Zoltán Tárr until new appointments are made. According to the new regulations, public media will be overseen by an Independent Public Media Authority. Hungary has dropped significantly in the media freedom index, ranking 76th this year compared to 23rd in 2010. The previous Orbán government consistently denied allegations of exerting pressure on the media. The temporary suspension of news programming reflects broader efforts to reshape the media environment in Hungary, aligning it more closely with the values of the newly elected government. As the reforms take effect, the role and independence of public media will likely remain a focal point of political discourse in the coming months.