TV2 is preparing to discontinue its long-running news programme Tények (meaning “Facts”) as part of a major restructuring of the broadcaster, according to statements confirmed by the company’s president and CEO, Miklós Vaszily. The move marks one of the most significant changes in Hungary’s pro-government media sphere in recent years.

The decision was first reported by 444.hu and later confirmed by multiple outlets, including Telex and the Hungarian state news agency MTI.

In a statement sent to 444, Vaszily said the broadcaster was already working on renewing its infotainment programming because of the “erosion of the Tények brand”. He added that the goal was for TV2 to provide news coverage “meeting the expected professional standards” through newly launched brands and after “drawing the necessary lessons”.

However, Vaszily did not specify when the final edition of Tények would air. Reports also suggest that the current affairs magazine programme Napló may not survive the restructuring either.

Political realignment after Hungary’s election defeat

The announcement occurs during internal changes at TV2 following the recent election defeat of the ruling Fidesz government. Several prominent faces associated with the channel’s strongly pro-government editorial line have already disappeared from screens.

According to reports, news director Vivien Szalai was dismissed shortly after the election, while presenters Gábor Gönczi and Anikó Marsi were also removed from prominent roles.

TV2 previously stated that its news operations would undergo structural simplification, with editorial responsibilities integrated under a new management system. Instead of appointing a new standalone news director, editors of infotainment programmes will now report directly to Vaszily.

Reports also claim that Vaszily has brought in Zoltán Fekete-Szalóky as an adviser. Fekete-Szalóky previously resigned from Index.hu after a falsification scandal, as Telex reported.

From liberal beginnings to propaganda accusations

Tények launched in 1997 alongside TV2 itself, during the early years of Hungary’s commercial television market. At the time, the newsroom reportedly operated with a largely liberal editorial culture.

The programme’s direction changed dramatically after 2010, as business circles linked to Fidesz gradually increased influence over the broadcaster. Eventually, ownership passed through the hands of late film commissioner Andy Vajna before becoming connected to business interests associated with Lőrinc Mészáros.

Over the past decade, Tények became widely criticised by opposition politicians, independent journalists, and media watchdogs for what critics described as aggressive pro-government propaganda and smear campaigns targeting opposition figures.

According to 444, the programme was ordered to publish corrections more than 150 times following lawsuits initiated by opposition politician Péter Juhász alone.

The outlet also listed numerous controversial reports aired over the years, including coverage involving Anna Donáth, Péter Jakab and Gábor Vona. Critics accused the programme of misinformation, manipulated reporting, and politically motivated attacks.

Financial pressure and possible layoffs

The restructuring may also be driven by financial concerns. According to reports, TV2 generated roughly HUF 2 billion (EUR 5.6 million) in profit last year but relied heavily on state advertising revenue reportedly exceeding HUF 4.6 billion (EUR 12.9 million) annually.

Media analysts expect those revenues to decline significantly following the political changes in Hungary, potentially forcing cost-cutting measures and redundancies. Market rumours suggest layoffs could affect 15–20% of the workforce.

Earlier this week, speaking at the Media Hungary conference, Vaszily already signalled that the channel’s entire operational structure would be reorganised and consolidated.

Magyar calls Tények “flagship of Orbán propaganda”

Incoming prime minister Péter Magyar reacted quickly to the news on social media, calling Tények “the most disgraceful programme in Hungarian media history” and “the flagship of Orbán-era propaganda”.

In a sarcastic Facebook post, Magyar referenced one of the programme’s previous broadcasts about him, writing that the show had once dedicated a special segment and expert commentary to “one of his body parts”.



Questions remain over TV2’s future direction

The closure of Tények makes one wonder about the future of Hungary’s media landscape. It’s unclear whether TV2 is preparing for a genuine editorial transformation or simply rebranding its existing news operations under a different format.

Observers are also watching closely to see how much influence political actors and owners will continue to exert over the broadcaster, and whether the channel itself could eventually be sold.

For now, one of the defining symbols of Hungary’s pro-government television era appears to be nearing its end.