Hungary's new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has begun implementing one of its key election promises – a radical reform of state-run media. This move aims to end years of public broadcasting being used as a propaganda tool, a practice that flourished under the previous administration.
'We Apologize'
Last week, Hungarian viewers tuning into state television and radio channels were met with an unusual broadcast. Instead of the usual news programs, a black screen appeared with a message: 'Public media has no right to lie. We apologize for having done so all these years. The media is now transforming to become independent and trustworthy in the future. Our news service has temporarily suspended operations. Stay tuned.'
The broadcast of political programs and news was completely replaced by this message, marking a symbolic end to an era when state media functioned as a mouthpiece for the ruling party.
Personnel Changes and End of 16 Years of Control
The suspension of broadcasting was followed by decisive personnel decisions. High-ranking officials of the MTVA media group (Public Service Media and Asset Management Fund) were removed from their positions, including the CEO of M1 television channel.
These measures are a direct consequence of the opposition 'Tisza' party's victory in the parliamentary elections in April 2026. Party leader Péter Magyar has replaced Viktor Orbán as Prime Minister, who had held the position for 16 consecutive years, maintaining dominant influence over all state institutions, including the presidential administration.
Over his years in power, Orbán and his supporters systematically gained control of public broadcasting companies, firing independent journalists and appointing government loyalists to regulatory positions. The OSCE Mission has previously pointed out on numerous occasions that Hungarian public media did not provide a level playing field for political parties and openly supported the former Prime Minister.
Cautious Optimism from the Journalistic Community
Many Hungarian journalists and human rights advocates have reacted to the events with cautious optimism, calling it a 'historic day'.
However, within the professional community, it is emphasized that complex work lies ahead: it remains to be determined what specific structure, funding system, and editorial independence mechanisms the new public media will have to prevent a return to old practices in the future.
'This Is Now in the Past'
Commenting on the suspension of broadcasts and the launch of the reform, Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that the country is leaving behind a dark chapter in its history. 'Today, propaganda broadcasting has ceased on public media platforms. They lied at night, they lied during the day, they lied on all frequencies. This is now over,' the head of government emphasized.
The reform of state media in Hungary is becoming one of the most significant symbols of democratic change in the country, which is now being closely watched by all of Europe.
