In Hungary, the most significant state broadcasters connected to the ousted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have ceased operations. When tuned to M1, viewers were greeted only by a black screen displaying the message: “The media cannot lie. We apologize for lying for years.”
M1 has been marked as particularly pro-government until Orbán’s electoral defeat, even earning the label of “propaganda machine” in Hungary. According to local newspapers, affected channels included the television station M1 and the radio station Kossuth Radio. The current Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced that the station would resume operations under new management, but no news broadcasts are expected temporarily. Kossuth Radio has implemented a similar policy, playing only music from a partner station in the interim. The websites also displayed a black screen.
In a Facebook post, Magyar called it a historic day, stating, “Today marks the end of propaganda broadcasting on the platforms of public media. They lied at night, they lied during the day, they lied through every available channel. That is now over.”
Magyar’s Efforts to Restructure Media
During Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure, critics argue he effectively transformed public media into state-owned propaganda outlets. Insiders have compared the situation to “conditions in Russia.” The new conservative and pro-European Prime Minister Magyar campaigned with a promise to fundamentally reform Hungary’s media landscape.
During the campaign, Magyar pledged to restore the independence of state media and repeatedly emphasized his respect for press freedom. Following his inauguration, he initiated a comprehensive review of the operations and funding of state-run media. Additionally, significant changes took place at TV2, a leading private broadcaster owned by Orbán-aligned businesspeople, where the news chief and key news anchors were replaced shortly after Magyar’s electoral victory. Criticism arose from the former Prime Minister, who characterized the changes as “another step toward Tisza tyranny,” as reported by Hungarian newspapers.
The Impacts of Media Control
The shutdown of these major channels and the admission of years of misinformation reflect a broader shift in Hungary’s media landscape. For years, many critics pointed out that the media in Hungary served as a mouthpiece for the government rather than an independent institution serving the public interest. The recent developments signal a potential break from this trend, as Magyar aims to distance the new government from Orbán’s controversial legacy.
Rebuilding trust in the media will be no small feat. It will require not only changing the personnel but also re-establishing the integrity of the reporting process. This could open a new chapter for media in Hungary if Magyar follows through on his promises to protect journalistic independence.
In conclusion, while these changes are being welcomed by many as a necessary corrective, the road ahead will likely be fraught with challenges. Magyar’s commitment to transparency and press freedom will be closely monitored, as citizens remain watchful for signs of true reform amidst lingering concerns of political influence.
