Recent developments in Hungary have renewed scrutiny over the relationship between political power, state financing, and media influence following significant changes within media and communications networks closely associated with the previous Fidesz government, while the electoral victory of the Tisza party and the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule have intensified debate over how to restore media pluralism and democratic safeguards. Media freedom organisations and analysts argue that years of political control over public broadcasters, regulators, ownership structures, and state advertising distorted the media market and weakened independent journalism, prompting calls for reforms aligned with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), including stronger regulatory independence, transparent state advertising rules, protections against spyware surveillance and SLAPPs, and the repeal of legislation used to target critical media and civil society groups. Observers caution, however, that rebuilding a more independent and pluralistic media environment will require long-term institutional reforms, democratic oversight, and sustained involvement from journalists, legal experts, and civil society actors. Read more here.
Source: BIRN / International Press Institute (IPI)