The media freedom reports published on Hungary in 2024 have shown the shortcomings detected in earlier reports, the Hungarian media authority NMHH said in a report published on Wednesday.
Freedom House reports are usually based on the assessment of one expert, while Reporters Without Borders has refused to divulge information on the people involved in assigning scores, the report said. Further, the reports often repeat statements about earlier years, pertaining to periods outside of the report’s scope, the NMHH report said. Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report and that issued by Reporters without Borders were also insufficiently sourced, it said.
The reports also contained factual errors and omitted important facts and circumstances, it said. CLU said that the Hungarian media act failed to prevent market concentration, and the Media Pluralism Monitor said that the legislation failed to protect certain vulnerable groups, neither of which was true, NMHH said.
Pro-government media is undeniably one of the most potent tools for Prime Minister Orbán’s administration. For instance, the government controls all regional newspapers, providing a significant advantage over opposition parties. However, PM Orbán remains dissatisfied with current government messaging and intends to make substantial changes.
Orbán’s discontent and planned overhaul
As we detailed in THISarticle, based on Szabad Európa’s information, PM Orbán has voiced dissatisfaction with the performance of his candidates, pro-government media outlets, and overall strategy following the 9 June European Parliamentary elections. Sources informed Szabad Európa, an independent Hungarian media outlet, that Orbán plans to replace underperforming MPs and candidates, potentially including Fidesz deputy head Szilárd Németh. The prime minister appears dissatisfied with the newer generation of Fidesz leaders, who, he feels, have not worked hard enough for their successes. Additionally, Orbán is encouraging more public endorsements to deflect future criticisms.
Who will be in target during Orbán’s purge? Photo: MTI
Despite these measures, the prime minister faces a strong challenger for the first time in over 15 years. Recent polls show Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party leading Fidesz by 1-2%—a situation Hungary has not witnessed since 2006. Magyar’s success has multiple roots, from Hungary’s economic crisis and stagnant GDP and wage growth to recent Fidesz scandals, such as the resignation of President Katalin Novák, alongside Magyar’s exceptional communication skills.
Orbán’s critique of pro-government media
Unwilling to risk a potential defeat in the 2026 elections, Orbán has begun sharpening his focus. In his 23 October speech, he labelled Péter Magyar a “Brussels puppet” who would uncritically implement EU policies. However, he recognises that only a stronger, more dynamic pro-government media network can effectively convey this message to the public.
23 October commemoration of the Tisza Party in Budapest. Photo: MTI/Balogh Zoltán
According to Forbes, Orbán intends to diversify the pro-government media network. This restructuring aims to create a broader, more intellectual communication spectrum, with a wider range of content and outlets, as an insider revealed to the Hungarian press.
In a recent speech at Kötcse, a private gathering for his supporters, PM Orbán was critical of government-aligned influencers and the homogeneous nature of current messaging. He emphasised that they must not only hold but win the debate on various key policies, from healthcare and education to transport infrastructure.
Read also:
Péter Magyar rallies opposition at Budapest demonstration, calling for change in 2026 – read more HERE
According to local media, the Hungarian television network TV2’s owner is looking to acquire TVN, Poland’s largest TV station, raising concerns in Warsaw about hidden Russian influence.
Following the 2023 Polish elections, the right-wing Law and Justice Party (PiS), led by Jarosław Kaczyński, lost its grip on both political power and the state broadcaster, TVP. TVP had played a key role in PiS’s media strategy, serving as a platform for pro-government propaganda. Without this tool, Kaczyński emphasised the need for the right wing to secure a new major television channel. In response, PiS shifted its focus to Poland’s commercial broadcasters, with TVN, the country’s most-watched private network, becoming a primary target.
According to 444, TVP acted as a major propaganda tool for the ruling PiS party for years, similar to Hungary’s public media under Fidesz. The channel pushed controversial narratives, including warnings of an LGBTQ “invasion” under opposition rule and publishing fake photos to discredit Donald Tusk and his family. While PiS’s propaganda helped rally its core supporters, it failed to attract broader public backing. After Tusk’s Civic Platform won the elections in October and formed a coalition government, they quickly replaced PiS loyalists running public media. Despite protests, PiS lost its primary media stronghold.
Throughout PiS’s seven years in power, Poland’s media landscape remained more diverse than Hungary’s, with independent newspapers and TV stations maintaining influence. This diversity allowed for independent opinions within both opposition and right-wing media, contrasting Hungary’s more uniform pro-government messaging. However, the PiS leadership continued to believe in the dominance of opposition media, particularly foreign-owned outlets, which they viewed as adversaries. The government repeatedly pushed for “repolonisation,” aiming to increase Polish ownership in the media sector, especially in response to German-controlled media companies.
In 2021, PiS sought to curb the influence of TVN, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, through a law designed to limit the stakes non-EU companies could hold in Polish media. This legislation, widely known as “Lex TVN,” was ultimately blocked, when President Andrzej Duda, who had been nominated by PiS, refused to sign the bill into law. According to reports, Duda’s decision was influenced by U.S. President Joe Biden, due to concerns about restricting American media ownership in Poland. As a result, PiS had to look for other ways to gain influence over TVN.
Andrzej Duda, president of Poland. Source: MTI
Hungarian interests emerge in TVN acquisition
Now, reports indicate that PiS is seeking to acquire TVN with the help of Hungarian business interests. As reported by Blikk, the Hungarian TV2 network, owned by József Vida, has emerged as a potential buyer for TVN. The deal could involve an investment of at least HUF 500 billion (more than EUR 1.2 billion). However, Polish media outlets have raised concerns about this possible acquisition, particularly regarding the financial backing behind Vida.
In addition to TV2, other bidders are reportedly interested in purchasing TVN. These include an unnamed American broadcaster and the PFF Group, a Dutch-registered company originally founded by the late Czech billionaire Petr Kellner. Meanwhile, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns TVN, is facing financial difficulties, with its stock having dropped by 70% over the past two and a half years. This situation could make the company more willing to sell its Polish assets.
Alleged Russian influence and concerns over national security
Though József Vida owns TV2, his wealth may not be enough to finance such a large transaction. This has fueled speculation that the actual financial backing may come from other figures within Hungary’s National Cooperation System (NER), particularly Lőrinc Mészáros, a Hungarian oligarch closely tied to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Mészáros has previously been linked to Russian business interests, including ownership of the luxury yacht Rose d’Or, which was once connected to Russian oligarch Konstantin Strukov. Due to these ties, the Polish government has expressed concerns about potential Russian influence over the media market, especially given Hungary’s historically friendly ties with Moscow. Polish officials have even alerted the United States to the potential security risks associated with this acquisition.
Lőrinc Mészáros, the billionaire presumed to be behind the acquisition. Source: MTI
The potential acquisition of TVN by Hungarian interests, with alleged Russian ties, has sparked concerns in Poland and the broader geopolitical arena. For PiS, gaining control over the country’s largest private broadcaster would be a significant victory in regaining media influence. However, the involvement of foreign entities, particularly those with suspected Russian links, has raised concerns in both Poland and the United States, leading to heightened scrutiny of the potential sale.
Read about Warner Bros. Discovery’s plans to sell their Polish asset here
Learn more about Lőrinc Mészáros and his ties to Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán here
… and his yacht previously owned by a Russian oligarch here
Béla Kovács, the former European Parliament representative of the Hungarian Jobbik party, who was sentenced to five years in prison in Hungary for espionage in 2022, has resurfaced publicly in Russia. Known infamously by the moniker “KGBéla,” Kovács fled Hungary after being convicted of passing sensitive information to Russian intelligence between 2012 and 2014, allegedly to undermine European Union institutions and favour Russian interests.
Recently, Béla Kovács made an appearance at a Moscow forum titled “I Want to Live in Russia,” which was organised by the pro-Russian media outlet Ukraina.ru, Meduza reports. Among the speakers was Maria Butina, a member of the Russian parliament, who spoke about “ideological immigration” to Russia, framing it as part of a long-standing tradition dating back to German settlers fleeing religious wars to the Russian Empire.
During his speech, Béla Kovács asked Russians not to take offence at the often negative perceptions of their country among Hungarians.
According to him, these views were largely shaped by the Western media, which, he claimed, misleads many people in Hungary about Russia’s true nature, 24.hu writes.
Fleeing justice, speaking at Russian forums
Kovács’ appearance in Russia comes as no surprise, given that last year, a second arrest warrant was issued for him in Hungary, but he has so far evaded capture. The former Jobbik politician had already been found guilty of espionage and fraudulent misappropriation of EU funds, resulting in a suspended two-year prison sentence. His sentence was further intensified by Hungary’s Supreme Court, which handed him a five-year prison term along with a ten-year ban from public office. Instead of facing his sentence, Béla Kovács escaped to Russia, where he now resides.
The forum at which Kovács spoke is closely tied to a recent decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who simplified immigration procedures for foreigners wishing to move to Russia as a refuge from so-called “neoliberal ideologies” in their home countries. According to reports, the program, which officially launched on 1 September 2024, has already attracted interest, though exact figures on the number of participants remain undisclosed.
Hungary’s first political refugee in Russia?
Béla Kovács is perhaps the most prominent Hungarian political figure to seek refuge in Russia in modern times. His legal troubles began years ago, with investigations dating back to his time as a Member of the European Parliament. The Hungarian courts, after initially acquitting him of espionage charges, later overturned the verdict on appeal. The Court of Appeal in Budapest found him guilty of preparing to spy on EU institutions on behalf of Russia. His crimes did not end there, as he was also convicted of budgetary fraud and forgery of private documents.
Despite Hungary’s efforts to apprehend him, including issuing an international warrant, Kovács managed to flee, and his current status in Russia highlights a growing trend among individuals seeking asylum from countries they claim are under Western influence. At the Moscow event, Béla Kovács spoke openly about his decision to relocate, aligning himself with other speakers who praised Russia as a haven from the “oppressive” ideologies of the West.
The forum’s broader significance
The forum in Moscow touched upon a broader geopolitical narrative, with several speakers emphasising Russia’s role as a sanctuary for those disillusioned with Western liberal democracies. Kovács’ presence at the event, alongside other international figures seeking to paint Russia in a favourable light, is a sign of the country’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a counterbalance to Western influence.
While Kovács’ future in Russia remains uncertain, one thing is clear: his involvement in espionage and subsequent flight to Russia marks a rare case of a Hungarian politician becoming a high-profile refugee in Moscow. Whether his situation is a one-off or a sign of deeper trends remains to be seen, but for now, Béla Kovács seems to have found a new home far from Hungarian justice.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán answered journalists’ questions for two hours in the European Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. The Hungarian prime minister held a press conference the day before he was due to present the programme of the Hungarian presidency in the EP.
Hungary’s EU presidency to table five-year competitiveness deal
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the deterioration of Europe’s competitiveness was a “serious challenge” and Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union would propose a new competitiveness deal, speaking at a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday.
Orbán said that challenge had to be addressed in the context of the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East and in Africa that were at risk of escalating. He also pointed to security threats not seen since the 2015 migration crisis that were putting pressure on the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone.
Hungary’s EU presidency will propose a new European competitiveness deal, extending for five years, at an informal summit in Budapest on November 8, Orbán said. He added that a reduction in administrative burdens and overregulation, affordable energy prices, green industrial policy and a strengthening of the internal market were part of the new competitiveness deal. He also said that barriers to the movement of goods and services needed to be removed, while EU capital markets had to be bolstered to prevent savings from flowing to investments in the United States, and a policy of connectivity advanced.
He said the EU needed change and Hungary’s EU presidency wanted to be a catalyst for that change.
Orbán noted that he was in Strasbourg to present the programme for Hungary’s EU presidency to MEPs on Wednesday. He said that it was the second time he had personally headed Hungary’s EU presidency and recalled that the first time, in 2011, involved dealing with the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the Arab Spring and Fukushima. Hungary’s next EU presidency is “written in my calendar, as optimism is important”, he added.
He said Hungary’s EU presidency, given the country’s size, could point out problems and make recommendations, but European institutions and big member states would have to take the decisions. Improving competitiveness is the focus of Hungary’s EU presidency, he added.
The United States and China have outpaced Europe’s economic growth for two decades, while Europe’s share of global trade has declined, he said. He added that companies in the EU had to pay double or triple what their counterparts in the US paid for electricity and four or five times as much for gas.
He said that European companies spend half as much on R+D as in the US.
Addressing demographic trends, Orbán said the scale of Europe’s labour force didn’t support the continent’s output growth. He added that improving productivity was doubly important as earlier and had to exceed the pace of development in the US.
Orbán called an EU decision to levy punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs “an absurdity” as local automotive industry companies had protested the measure. He added that just ten of the EU’s 27 member states, accounting for 45 percent of the EU’s residents, had backed the move.
Orbán: Migration cannot be stopped without ‘external hotspots’
Illegal migration cannot be stopped without setting up hotspots outside the European Union, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told a press conference in Strasbourg on Tuesday, adding that those who had made it to the EU “will never leave”.
The only way to stop migration is by forging a consensus between member states on obliging those wanting to enter the bloc to “stop at the border, request admission, and they’re not allowed to enter the EU until their request is assessed”. “If we can’t achieve that, we will never stop migration,” he said.
No government is ready to “round up” migrants already within the borders and expel them from the EU, he said. “The only migrants who won’t stay are the ones we don’t allow in,” Orbán said.
Security guards had to detain opposition protester
Orbán had just started the central part of his speech when Márton Gyekiczki, a member of the DK youth organisation, rushed to his table and shouted several times:
How much did you betray the country for, Prime Minister?
Photo: MTI
He repeated this several times and then shouted on the way out that the Hungarian Prime Minister had sold Hungary to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
How much did [PM’s political director] Balázs Orbán get to betray the country, Mr Prime Minister?”
After the DK activist was detained and led out by guards, Orbán responded that in Hungarian politics, calling someone a villain only means that you disagree with them. Orbán said Hungarian was a “direct language and communication is rather curt. If a politician calls the other a swindler, that is the equivalent of ‘I disagree'”. He said heckling was an everyday occurrence in Hungary.
Here’s the video showing how a DK local council member interrupted Orbán’s press conference in Strasbourg.
The event was disrupted by Márton Gyekiczki, a DK councilor from Érd, who threw paper notes and yelled, “How much did you betray the country for, Mr. Prime Minister?”… pic.twitter.com/dZiVhtfFnd
The clear statement of Balázs Orbán, criticised by many:
“Based precisely on ’56, we probably would not have done what President Zelensky did 2.5 years ago, because it is irresponsible, because one can see that he took his country into a war of defense”
A video of Balázs Orbán’s interview, with English subtitles
Orbán proposes Schengen summit to handle migration
The Hungarian presidency of the European Union proposes introducing a system of Schengen summits to tackle the issue of migration, PM Orbán said.
Orbán told a presser presenting the EU presidency’s programmme that the EU did not have a successful common migration policy and member states were trying to protect themselves individually.
At the same time those individual attempts were threatening to “dismantle” the Schengen system, so “one large common decision is needed” instead, he said.
Orbán said the Hungarian presidency’s proposal was that similarly to the eurozone countries’ summits, the leaders of Schengen countries should regularly meet, and they should manage the Schengen borders at the highest political level together “similarly to how the euro is being managed”.
Europe will never be complete without integration of Balkans
Illegal migration cannot be stopped without setting up hotspots outside the European Union, Orban said.
The only way to stop migration is by forging a consensus between member states on obliging those wanting to enter the bloc to “stop at the border, request admission, and they’re not allowed to enter the EU until their request is assessed”. “If we can’t achieve that, we will never stop migration,” he said.
No government is ready to “round up” migrants already within the borders and expel them from the EU, he said. “The only migrants who won’t stay are the ones we don’t allow in,” Orban said.
Orban noted that he had represented that stance consistently since 2015, “and I was called an idiot and evil, but ultimately, everyone will come around to that standpoint.”
The EU’s migration policy “is clearly not working”, and illegal migration was spawning growing anti-Semitism, violence against women and homophobia, he said.
Orban said the EU did not have a successful common migration policy and member states were trying to protect themselves individually.
At the same time those individual attempts were threatening to “dismantle” the Schengen system, so “one large common decision is needed” instead, he said.
Orban said the Hungarian presidency’s proposal was that similarly to the eurozone countries’ summits, the leaders of Schengen countries should regularly meet, and they should manage the Schengen borders at the highest political level together, “similarly to how the euro is being managed”.
Photo: MTI
Moving on to the EU’s enlargement, Orbán said Europe will never be complete without the integration of the Balkans, which is why the Hungarian presidency has called a European Union and Western Balkans summit.
EU defence policy and strengthening the bloc’s technological foundations were on the presidency’s agenda and they will be addressed at an informal meeting in Budapest on November 7, he said.
“We promised to the Western Balkans countries twenty years ago that they will be given entry, and it is time to fulfil the promise,”
he said, adding that the Hungarian presidency has also called a summit of the Western Balkans and the European Union.
Enlargement must be merit-based, he said, adding that without Serbia no enlargement will be successful, because the Western Balkans countries cannot be integrated without Serbia, a country “with such a weight and strength that the Balkans cannot be stabilised without it”.
Hungary is working to make progress in that regard, too, he said.
Orbán said the Hungarian presidency also addressed agriculture. The planning of the next financial cycle’s directions has started, and so the mapping of its agricultural policy. The goal is to create a competitive, crisis-resistant and farmer-friendly European agriculture, he said.
If the programme points of the Hungarian presidency are fulfilled, then its slogan, “Make Europe Great Again”, will come to life, he added.
US elections
Commenting on the US elections, Orbán said: “If Trump comes back, we will open several bottles of champagne.” He welcomed that the informal meeting of EU leaders in Budapest was scheduled two days after the election, offering an opportunity to plan the next steps.
Should Trump be elected, “we must take seriously his statements that he will not wait until his inauguration to start handling the war and possible peace in Ukraine. We European leaders will not have 2-3 months between the election and the start of term of the next US president,” Orbán said.
EUR 35 billion loan to Ukraine
In response to a question about why Hungary was not supporting a EUR 35 billion loan to Ukraine, and whether Hungary would fight against Russian President Putin, he said Hungary was carrying out the greatest humanitarian scheme of its history. A large number of Ukrainians have arrived and they have been immediately given asylum, with several tens of thousands of Ukrainians now living in Hungary. Ukrainian schools have been opened in Hungary despite the fact that Hungarian schools have been closed in Ukraine. “We are doing everything that a Christian country can do to help a neighbouring country,” he added.
Orbán said there was a debate about what should be the expected behaviour in the European Union, and Hungary’s opinion differed from most other EU countries’. Hungary wants to see a ceasefire as soon as possible because this war cannot be won on the battlefield, he added. If the war cannot be won in the battlefield, then talks are needed, a ceasefire is needed and lives must be saved, he said. “This is what Hungary wants to help with,” he added. Orbán said communication was viewed as a sin in the EU, yet the war situation cannot be successfully handled without it. Communication is needed, with the involvement of as many countries that can achieve a ceasefire as possible, he added. “Currently we are in a strong minority, but that is no reason for us to give up our clear position,” he said.
European politics
Orbán said there was a great change under way in European politics. A European elite consisting of the Left, liberals and central right call themselves the mainstream. But the people are increasingly dissatisfied with their performance, and the mainstream is surrounded by a circle of protests, he added. People do not agree with the war, they want peace, they do not agree with migration, they do not want to allow the illegal migrants to enter, they do not agree with the economic policy, the agriculture is being damaged, and the companies are over-regulated, with purchasing power decreasing, he said.
“Considering that we live in democracy, these voices find their representatives and new parties, new players appear, with increasing weight,” he said.
Orbán called for calm and common sense, saying that patriots should not be excluded but invited to join.
He said the Brussels mainstream, the bureaucrats, must decide whether they wanted to defend the status quo or listen to the people. The PfE was one of the symptoms, and if the Brussels elite refuses change, they must be pushed to the side.
In response to a question, Orbán said the member states should help each other instead of blocking each other.
He said migration represented a “slap in the face” for EU unity because it highlighted that “we differ from each other in many ways”.
Orbán said that instead of allowing each member state to follow its own migration policy, “the big boys decided that a common migration policy is needed.”
He added that this policy must be followed even by those who do not want it, and Hungary must pay 200 million euros just because it does not want to allow migrants into the country.
Orbán said that with Brexit, the balance was lost between those supporting a centralised, federalist EU and those supporting sovereignty. “This situation has resulted in a growing number of conflicts,” he said, adding that while the Brits were still in the EU, there was no rule of law procedure. The supporters of sovereignty do not want confrontation, but to maintain the former balance, refusing centralisation, he said.
He said he was representing Hungary’s national interests and wanted to agree with all other country leaders on this basis. He said he was not representing a globalist elite or European bureocrats, he was standing with both feet on the ground, as the representative of national interests.
Orbán said Hungary did not agree with the EU’s approach to migration, but said that a compromise must be found sooner or later.
He added that there would always be member states that did not agree with the common migration policy and would not be eble to comply with the decisions of the European Commission or court.
An acceptable solution would be an opt-out from common decisions for member countries that “cannot follow the mainstream”, Orban said, “otherwise the EU will be damaged”. He added that this was why he was glad to see the Netherlands, one of the founding members of the EU, to be the first to bring up the possibility of an opt-out.
Commenting on the “gigantic” fine imposed on Hungary, he said talks with the European Commission have stalled.
In response to a question about when Hungary would start buses transporting migrants to Brussels, he said “the time will come, it is not far away.” He said Hungary would respect European regulations and if asylum seekers in Hungary wanted to go to Brussels, Hungary would help them.
Commenting on criticism he received for his “peace mission” and asked if he felt isolated in the EU, he said it was impossible to be isolated in the EU. He said they had “dreams like that in the Left” but added that when there was an attempt to isolate Austria, it became ridiculous.
He said the start of the Hungarian presidency posed a great challenge. There were two possibilities: one was a bureaucratic Hungarian presidency, but Orban said he decided to view it as a political presidency, with respect to the limitations.
“We have a very friendly attitude to the EU,” he said in response to another question. The EU is made up of nation states, there is no such thing as an EU citizen, but an Italian, French, Hungarian, Dutch citizen. They must be represented, which is not a hostile behavious but a normal approach, he added.
In response to a question on the conditionality procedure, he said Hungary wanted to reach an agreement. “There are good examples, currently Hungary has 12 billion euros on its account, which can be continually incorporated in Hungarian economy, he said, adding that he trusted that a further agreement could be reached.
Erasmus and Horizon programs
Commenting on the Erasmus and Horizon programs, he said Hungary wanted to agree with the Commission to restore these possibilities. At the same time, he said Hungary had set up its own systems. The Pannonia scheme has been set up in place of Erasmus, and a separate research scheme has been set up in place of Horizon.
He branded it “ugly blackmail” that Hungarian students are refused EU support.
Other questions
In response to a question about his relationship with Putin, Orbán said “he is the Russian president and I am the prime minister of Hungary, that is the relationship”.
In response to another question, he said the Schengen membership of Romania and Bulgaria was kept on the agenda. He said he would make every effort to convince everyone that it would greatly benefit the EU. The two countries are ready to protect the external borders, he added.
Orban also said in response to a question that the Hungarian economy was very transparent towards the Russian economy and in areas not affected by sanctions, Hungary tries to cooperate with Russia. He also said that western countries had bought 8.5 billion dollars worth of energy from Russia since the start of the war.
“What we do is completely transparent, what the others do is hypocrisy. Stop criticising Hungary”, Orban said.
He reiterated that no migrant camp will be set up in Hungary.
Asked about an MBH loan to Spain’s VOX party, he said he was involved in politics and not with who lends money to whom, which is private business.
He also said that certain countries had special campaign financing rules, and parties must take out loans. In Hungary, it is the other way round, and if a party wants to run at the election, it receives support from the state budget.
If someone wants to take out a loan in Hungary from a Hungarian bank, the government will have no business with it, because Hungary is a free country, he said.
Commenting on the issue of a ceasefire in Ukraine, he said in response to a question, that during his talks in July he found that both the Russian and the Ukrainian leaders believe time works for them and they do not want a ceasefire and peace. This is bad for Europe, Orban said. Because the sides are unwilling to take steps, international efforts are needed to continually push the sides towards talks, he added.
He said he believed the majority of the world was pro-peace and Europe was pro-war, or “to put it more respecfully, Europe has taken a longer road to peace”.
EP Serbia delegation
In response to a question, Orbán said it was regrettable that a Greek person had been elected instead of a Hungarian one into the EP Serbia delegation, but added that the Greek MEP also deserved the position. He criticised the fact that the Hungarian opposition parties did not support the Hungarian nominee.
The head of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) said on Monday that 2024 will be the year of regulating AI (artificial intelligence).
Regulating AI
András Koltay told an international AI symposium Humans in Charge 2024, organised by NMHH, that AI offered great potential while also carried risks, so an environment must be created whereby innovation is combined with the responsible use of AI.
Kay Firth-Butterfield, chief executive of Good Tech Advisory, said ideas that improve society must be encouraged, and it is also important to preserve diversity.
Mario Hernandez Ramos, chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence, argued that AI must remain human-focused and that a global dialogue on its use and development is needed.
Ansgar Koene, Global AI Ethics and Regulatory Leader at EY, welcomed the United Nations’s start to a discussion of opinions on the subject.
György Tilesch, founder and president of PHI Institute for Augmented Intelligence, said institutions and communities focused on AI must be developed. “Resources need to be concentrated at an unprecedented level,” he added.
Brando Benifei, MEP and EU AI Act Co-Rapporteur, said the appearance of AI was “more horizontal” and had a broader effect than the internet had. “It is like electricity; it will rewrite everything,” he added.
Leader of the opposition Tisza Party, Péter Magyar “had no ideas or convictions; he didn’t want change in the country,” the politician’s former partner, Evelin Vogel, told news portal Index in an interview published on Wednesday, adding that people did not see the real Magyar as “he is not what he seems”. Péter Magyar wrote in a reaction that Evelin tried to blackmail them but she was unsuccessful. Therefore, she turned to Gábor Kubatov, the party director and a VP of Orbán’s Fidesz, which is why she gave an interview to Index, a government-close Hungarian news outlet.
Stormy relationship
“It wasn’t down to Péter alone that he got to where he is; very good people were behind him… These people whom I worked with … had faith, they believed in change for the better,” she said, adding that it wasn’t political ends that motivated them.
Their relationship started well, she said, but later became “stormy”, and they broke up last September. He proposed to her a month later but she said no, Vogel said, adding that she could no longer identify with Magyar, whose words and actions were at odds.
Magyar told her that he had resigned from his posts in government circles voluntarily, she said, insisting she was no longer sure whether this was true or not. He “only went public because he had nothing left to lose,” she added.
“He’s not really a brave person… He always had a big mouth, but when it comes down to it, he plays it safe,” Vogel said.
She said she had mobilised her network of contacts as Magyar, once he had attacked the government system, no longer had any.
Evelin Vogel and Péter Magyar at a demonstration. Photo: FB/Péter Magyar
Magyar listens to the party treasurer
Vogel said Magyar had not had any qualms about using the audio recordings he made of his ex-wife, the former justice minister Judit Varga, and he had not revealed their content to her at the time. He thought the tapes were “a much stronger trump card” compared to the effect they ended up having, she said.
Meanwhile, Vogel said she had introduced to Magyar a businessperson who works as the party’s treasurer. Magyar “still listens” to this individual, whom she did not identify. The person provides Magyar with information from government circles, she insisted.
Magyar, she said, concentrated on himself, while his team tried to build the party organisation. “I was at the receiving end of Péter’s anger and dissatisfaction. He wasn’t there with us, he didn’t work with the others…” she said, accusing him of negativity and badmouthing members of his own team.
Vogel said their relationship deteriorated and she did not accompany him on his nationwide tour.
Magyar demands regime change. Photo: FB/Péter Magyar
She was scared
She recalled an argument between them while her child was sitting in the car. “He started yelling at me in the street … and I was scared, I felt threatened … and if I recall right, I started crying then or later. Whatever the case, I saw the child sitting in the car crying.”
Vogel said Magyar’s secret was that he had a background that gave him a gloss of authenticity while he had the rhetorical and communication skills to get people interested. “He brought people out of their apathy…” she said.
Asked who the real Magyar was, Vogel said: “I don’t think I dare answer.”
Asked how Magyar would react to her going public, she said: “He’ll be very angry, furious. But he’ll say he expected it, and even that Fidesz was behind it … I don’t know what he’ll do to me, but I hope he won’t hurt my family. I’m not saying he’s capable of absolutely anything, but he’s capable of all sorts of things.”
Péter Magyar: Evelin blackmailed me and the Tisza Party
In reaction, Magyar wrotehe was in love with Evelin, but the girl started blackmailing him after he became a prominent player in Hungarian politics. The Tisza Party gained almost 30% popular support in the 9 June EU elections, sending 9 MEPs to the European Parliament. The latest polls say their support is 4-5% behind Orbán’s Fidesz. That means Magyar may beat Fidesz in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
According to Magyar, Evelin started to blackmail him and other officials of the Tisza Party in May. She wanted HUF 30 million (EUR 76 thousand) and made lots of voice recordings and videos about talks and disputes between prominent members of the party and Magyar. According to the politician’s Facebook post, she sold those recordings to Gábor Kubatov, the party director and VP of Orbán’s Fidesz, which is why Index made the interview with her now. According to Magyar, Kubatov pays her HUF 5 million (EUR 12,600) and other allowances.
Telex.hu wrote that Index is a government-close media outlet and the interview was made by a journalist employed by Fidesz’s media flagship, Hír TV.
UPDATE – Fidesz widens lead, Tisza falls in poll of government-close think-tank
According to a poll conducted at the time of the flood protection efforts in Hungary, the ruling Fidesz-Christian Democrats increased their lead while the popularity of the opposition Tisza party fell, the Nézőpont Institute said on Wednesday.
Compared with data from the week before the floods, Fidesz’s support grew by 2 percentage points to 47 percent, Nézőpont said, attributing the increase to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s daily presence at the dams.
Meanwhile, the opposition Tisza party’s support fell by 2 percentage points to 33 percent, Nézőpont said.
Besides those two parties, another two cleared the parliamentary threshold, Nézőpont said. The Democratic Coalition-Socialists-Parbeszed was up 2 percentage points at 8 percent, and radical Mi Hazank’s (Our Homeland) support grew by 1 percentage point to 6 percent, the pollster said.
Nézőpont conducted the phone poll with a representative sample of 1,000 decided voters between September 16 and 18.
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An Official Diplomatic Reception on the occasion of the 67th National Day / 61st Malaysia Day and in commemoration of the 55th Anniversary of the Establishment of Malaysia-Hungary Diplomatic Relations, as well as in promotion of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship was held at the Budapest Marriott Hotel on the 12 September 2024.
About 200 officials & guests from the Hungarian central and local government agencies, ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, NGOs and think-tanks, business people and members of the media attended the reception.
The Ambassador of Malaysia to Hungary, Francisco Munis, in his address underscored Malaysia’s achievement and journey as a progressive nation, the Malaysian-Hungarian long friendship and active relations, as well as Malaysia’s readiness as the 2025 Chair of ASEAN.
The Ambassador highlighted that the journey of Malaysia and Malaysians has indeed been colourful. Malaysia progressed as a nation, weathering the different eras of challenges and development, a journey made possible with Malaysia’s national unity that stems from the progressive and harmonious people of Malaysia.
Photo: Embassy of Malaysia, Budapest
Malaysia and Hungary: cordial and warm relations
Internationally, Malaysia’s foreign policy which is founded on the values of peace, humanity, justice, and equality with the thrust to contribute meaningfully towards a just and equitable community of nations, has allowed Malaysia to be a friendly country that is able to play role and contribute towards international peace, stability and prosperity. In the context of Malaysia-Hungary relations, the Ambassador stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1969, Malaysia and Hungary have nurtured cordial and warm relations, sharing common values and mutual respect, and demonstrating an enriched and mature friendship.
Photo: Embassy of Malaysia, Budapest
The long decades of constant engagements by the leaders and peoples of both countries’, were effectively translated into formal collaborations, in numerous mutually beneficial areas of common interest, through the signing of strategic bilateral Agreements and MOUs in the areas of trade and investment, education, agriculture, visa waiver, fiscal and taxation, information, air services and scientific and technological.
In the last few years, regular exchange of visits undertaken at all levels by the public and private sectors, have seen increasing awareness and interest on the potentials of the Malaysian-Hungarian relations, deepened understanding and opening up prospects for collaboration in areas of untapped competence, such as collaboration in tourism, cultural, environmental, security, healthcare, renewable energy and digital economy.
55th Year of Diplomatic Relations with Hungary
The year 2024 denotes the 55th Year of Diplomatic Relations. As both countries commemorate the 55 years of milestone, the outlook of both bilateral and multilateral collaborations is moving robustly. The Ambassador looks toward elevating further the Malaysian-Hungarian relations with more engagements, cooperations and exchanges, particularly in enhancing further the volume of total trade, which stands at 660 million Euro in 2023.
Looking forward, the Ambassador is positive that with the recent establishment of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Industrial Cooperation (JIEC) between Malaysia and Hungary, trade and investment exchanges can be further elevated in the years to come.
The 90 days visa free agreement between both countries will continue to complement the effort and strengthen further bilateral foundation, especially in promoting and encouraging people to people connection and interactions in businesses and tourism, effectuating the prospect for future mutually beneficial collaboration and cooperation. Malaysia highly values its friendship with Hungary and remains committed to complementing and maximizing the potentials of the Malaysian-Hungarian relations.
2025 ASEAN Chairmanship
On Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, the Ambassador reiterated that Malaysia as one of the founding members of ASEAN, had advocated and constructively played significant role in the development of peaceful ASEAN. Under its Chairmanship, Malaysia will continue to foster and emphasize the vision for a united ASEAN that stands as a formidable regional bloc and promote the importance of ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality.
Stressing on Malaysia’s readiness as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, the Ambassador also echoed that Malaysia welcomes and is supportive of Hungary’s intention to be part of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and hopes that Hungary’s accession to the treaty could soon be concluded. It is also of Malaysia’s wishes for a successful Hungarian Presidency of the European Union. Hungary’s full support for the principle of ASEAN Centrality and efforts to promote ASEAN-EU relations during its EU Presidency will help bridge the strengthening of the ASEAN-EU relations, as well as the Malaysian-EU relations.
Hungarian government official’s address
Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr. Ádám Stifter, the Deputy State Secretary for the Development of Eastern Relations in his address, highlighted that the 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Hungary and Malaysia, since its establishment in 1969, is testament to the flourishing of bilateral cooperation, transcending geographic distance, based on mutual respect and friendship and have never been stronger than they are today. Both countries cooperated closely in international organizations and share the belief in a rules-based international order and multilateral solutions to address global challenges.
Photo: Embassy of Malaysia, Budapest
The Deputy State Secretary added that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has just visited Malaysia in March 2024 and Hungary is already looking forward to Minister Szijjártó’s upcoming visit to Kuala Lumpur to co-chair the Inaugural Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Industrial Cooperation between Hungary and Malaysia. We are delighted to observe that high-level dialogue between our countries is frequent, demonstrating the mutual commitment of both parties toward the further enhancement of our multifaceted relations. We believe that amid today’s global challenges it is of utmost importance to establish mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation with countries that we share similar values with. Hungary’s aim is to play the role of a bridge between Eastern and Western economies. On this note, we consider Malaysia as a key partner in Southeast Asia, and as such, a cornerstone in the Hungarian strategy of the Eastern Opening.
As a founding member of ASEAN, Malaysia has demonstrated its ambitions in both the regional and global spheres, and made a significant contribution toward the preservation of stability and security in Southeast Asia and the wider region. We commend Malaysia’s commitment to global stability.
New heights in economic cooperation
The economic cooperation between Hungary and Malaysia has reached new heights in the last years. Malaysia is our second largest trading partner among the ASEAN countries; thus, we strive to create more opportunities for cooperation in various areas. We are pleased to note that the bilateral trade between Hungary and Malaysia has been constantly growing in recent years. Last year, the volume of bilateral trade exceeded 828 million US dollars.
Photo: Embassy of Malaysia, Budapest
We are looking forward to the Inaugural Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Economic and Industrial Cooperation between Hungary and Malaysia. Hungary considers this event to be a key forum for the development of our economic and trade relations, providing an excellent institutional framework to discuss areas of cooperation based on mutual interest. I am confident that the session will give new impetus to our bilateral economic cooperation across a wide range of new sectors.
Education is an important segment of our bilateral relations, since cooperation in the field of higher education and skills developments is a long-term investment that contributes to strengthening people-to-people relations, as well as our scientific, economic and political ties in the forthcoming decades.
Lots of scholarships
Hungary has been taking initiatives to deepen cooperation in the areas of skills development, education, science and technology. I am proud to note that the Hungarian-Malaysian academic relations have been evolving significantly, with scholarship programmes such as the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme and inter-institutional cooperation playing a particularly important role. We offer 40 scholarships for Malaysian students annually to study in Hungary within the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme. The main goal of this programme is to support and strengthen international cooperation, to enhance diversity in higher education and to promote its competitiveness. Since its inception in 2016, the popularity of the programme is increasing in popularity in Malaysia, this year 122 students applied.
Deputy State Secretary Stifter concluded in his address that the past 55 years of bilateral relations serve as an inspiration for the future. Hungary remains committed to further developing cooperation with Malaysia. We are convinced that in today’s rapidly changing world, we need reliable and stable partners, a partner with whom we could cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests, for the equal benefit of our nations.
Earlier on 31 August 2024, the Ambassador of Malaysia also hosted a flag raising ceremony and a reception to commemorate the 67th National Day and 61st Malaysia Day, at the Embassy of Malaysia in Budapest Chancery’s compound for the 200 strong Malaysian community in Hungary.
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TV2 Média, a prominent Hungarian broadcaster, has been identified as a potential buyer for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Polish assets, according to industry sources. This development comes as the Hollywood giant faces financial challenges, including declining stock prices and mounting competition from streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney. Warner Bros. Discovery, despite being a major player in the global media industry, is reportedly considering selling off parts of its Polish operations to improve its financial position.
TV2 Média has been identified as a potential buyer for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Polish assets, according to industry sources. Illustration. Photo: depositphotos.com
The Financial Times recently highlighted the company’s efforts to avoid breaking up its business, as executives race against time to reverse its sliding fortunes, Economx writes. The assets in question include the TVN Group, which owns one of Poland’s largest commercial television networks. Selling these assets could significantly improve the financial outlook of Warner Bros. Discovery, which also owns CNN and HBO.
Warner Bros. Discovery in struggles
The media conglomerate has been under pressure since its merger with Discovery in 2022, a move that was expected to generate substantial returns but has fallen short of expectations. A key factor in the company’s struggles has been the growing dominance of streaming services, which has led to an 8% decline in revenue from its television segment.
It remains unclear whether Warner Bros. Discovery is only looking to sell its terrestrial channels in Poland, such as TVN, TVN7, TTV, and Metro, or if it is also considering divesting its pay-TV channels and the Player streaming service.
Industry observers are speculating about potential buyers. Jakub Bierzyński, head of the consulting firm OMD Poland, noted that investment funds are unlikely candidates since they typically seek high-growth opportunities, which TVN does not currently represent. Local TV companies are also expected to show little interest in acquiring a competitor, while Polish media tycoon Zygmunt Solorz, one of the country’s wealthiest individuals, might face regulatory hurdles if he attempted to expand his influence in the TV advertising market.
As a result, the most likely buyer is expected to come from abroad. Potential candidates include Greece’s Antenna Group, which operates in Romania, Moldova, and Cyprus, France’s Canal+, and MFE-Mediaforeurope (formerly Mediaset), founded by the late Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Another contender is the Czech PPF Group.
Hungarian TV2 as a potential buyer
However, Polish media has also identified TV2 Média as a serious potential buyer. The Hungarian broadcaster is owned by József Vida, a banker with close ties to Lőrinc Mészáros, Hungary’s second-richest person and a close associate of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
This wouldn’t be TV2’s first attempt to enter the Polish market. Earlier this year, the company made a bid for a terrestrial TV frequency under the name PTV, planning to launch a lifestyle and entertainment channel. Although the company registered the name and logo, it ultimately did not receive the broadcasting license.
The number of media outlets taking a critical stance on the government has been steadily growing since the last change of government in 2010, the Nézőpont Institute said in its 2024 Press Freedom report on Hungary released on Monday.
Compared with 36 critical domestic media outlets opposed to the government in 2010, there are now 61, the report said, adding that 34 critical websites were established in the past ten years.
“Whereas it is often said that press freedom is under attack in Hungary and that opposition media are being impeded, the precise opposite is the case,” the think-tank said.
Out of 15 print media, 7 are critical of the government while 8 favour it, the report said. Meanwhile, 12 out of 33 electronic media are opposed to the government and 21 are friendly. Further, 37 out of the 53 online platforms are against the government while 16 are for it, the think-tank added.
Fully 71 percent of the adult population (5.6 million people) get their information from sources critical of the government, while 64 percent (5.1 million people) get theirs from pro-government sources, it said, adding that the proportion of those who only obtain information from one type of media is low.
Media are easily accessible to anyone throughout the country, regardless of their attitude towards the government or political affiliation, it said.
Printed dailies and weeklies are distributed nationally and the major electronic media enjoy national coverage, Nézőpontsaid.
More than 8 million people can access TV channels and almost 93 percent of households have broadband. Moreover, there are 14 million mobile phone subscriptions in a country with a population of just below 10 million, the report said.
The Hungarian news site 444.hu is the only one from Hungary on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s ban list. As of 25 June, Russia has blocked access to 81 European news services, categorised by country on the ministry’s website, with some listed as pan-European media.
Hungarian news site banned in Russia
The ministry’s statement indicates this move is a response to the EU Council’s decision on 17 May to ban “all broadcasting activities” of three Russian media outlets—RIA Novosti, Izvestia Media Information Centre, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. This EU ban also took effect on 25 June.
The Russian Foreign Ministry, led by Sergey Lavrov, claims these measures target media outlets that “regularly disseminate false information about the course of the special military operation”, 444.hu writes.
The statement emphasises that Russia had repeatedly warned against politically motivated actions against its journalists and unjustified bans on Russian media in the EU, which would not go unanswered. Despite this, Brussels and EU member states have continued to escalate tensions, prompting Moscow to enact these counter-measures, the communiqué writes. The responsibility for these developments, the statement asserts, lies with the EU leadership and the countries supporting this decision. Russia will reconsider its stance if the EU lifts its restrictions on Russian media.
Explanation from the Russian Embassy in Budapest
On the day the ban was announced, 444.hu contacted the Russian Embassy, which now explains the ban on the Hungarian news site on Telegram, using the hashtags #Sajtószabadság (Freedom of the Press), #OroszMédia (Russian Media), #OroszországMagyarország (Russia Hungary).
“The Hungarian source was listed for systematically spreading inaccurate information about the special military operation in Ukraine. The confirmation of this can be found in several publications of 444,” the Telegram entry reads.
The embassy said in the statement that “the Russian side has repeatedly warned the EU leadership that its politically motivated measures will not go unanswered”.
The Russian embassy was therefore quicker to comment on the Russian sanctions affecting the Hungarian news site 444.hu than the Hungarian government. What is more, the latter was the only one to prevent the EU from issuing a joint statement condemning the Russian move on Wednesday.
Csaba Káel, government commissioner in charge of the Hungarian film industry, and Mao Yu, head of the China Film Administration, have signed a comprehensive agreement on film industry cooperation between Hungary and China, Hungary’s National Film Institute (NFI) said on Friday.
The agreement aims to promote professional cooperation in the film industry and pave the way for joint productions, NFI said. It also extends to film industry training and mutual promotion of Hungarian and Chinese films, the statement added.
NFIsaid China was one of the world’s few film distribution markets where local productions outgross American blockbusters at the box office. China’s film industry, they said, was in its “third heyday”, adding that both countries’ governments considered the film industry a strategic sector.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and wife Chinese contemporary folk singer Peng Liyuan arrive in Budapest. Photo: Facebook/Szijjártó Péter
The statement quoted Káel as saying that Hungary was currently the number one location for film production in continental Europe, adding that Budapest’s geographical and film industry characteristics could make it “an excellent new hub” for East-West film industry relations.
Chinese wisdom compiled by the President in the Hungarian television
The delegation from the ChinaFilm Administration visited the NFI’s Film Archives and Film Laboratory as well as the institute’s studios in Fot, on the outskirts of the capital.
According to hvg.hu, Shen Haixiong, the President of the China Media Group and Dániel Papp, the CEO of MTVA, the Hungarian public media broadcaster, agreed that the Hungarian Television would broadcast documentary movies about Chinese wisdom compiled by President Xi Jinping. Furthermore, Hungarian Television will also broadcast several Chinese propaganda films, for example, about the state-supported developments in Tibet or the Chinese achievements, 444.hu wrote.
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The historical alliance between Hungary and China is a “shining example” of harmonic cooperation between cultures, Dániel Papp, the CEO of Hungary’s Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA), said in Budapest late on Wednesday, addressing an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
MTVA CEO Dániel Papp. Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt
Papp said the cooperation between MTVA, which provides public media services in Hungary, and China Media Group promotes dialogue between the two nations and could support further opportunities for cooperation.
He said the sides would sign a cooperation agreement on the occasion and noted the premiere of documentary films produced by the Chinese partner to air on Hungarian public media’s cultural channel.
The exchange of content between the two companies is a bridge between the two countries that overcomes all geographical distance, he added.
China Media Group president Shen Haixiong said ties between China and Hungary had become “richer and more colourful” in recent years and pointed to a closer friendship, especially between younger generations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is arriving in Budapest, Hungary today. On this occasion, not only the Hungarian but also the Chinese press reported about the visit. According to China’s Xinhua news agency, the Hungarians believe that the Chinese President’s visit to Hungary is of great importance. As the news agency reports, the Hungarians expect the visit to deepen the already traditional friendship and mutual political trust between the two countries, and to open a new chapter in their friendly cooperation.
Chinese press reports on Xi Jinping’s visit
Viktor Orbán and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: FB/Orbán
Xinhua News Agency is the official state news agency of China, founded in 1931. It is now China’s largest press agency, functioning as a ministry-level bureau. Xinhua is both a publishing house and a news agency, publishing in several languages, Index writes.
“On the afternoon of 2 May, the annual conference on “Belt and Road” pragmatic cooperation between China and Hungary was opened in the famous Vigadó Concert Hall in the Hungarian capital Budapest, accompanied by Chinese folk music,” the Chinese press agency begins its report.
“Hungary and China have made fruitful progress in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and the Hungarian people are looking forward to participating in further Belt and Road projects,” the report says, according to Index. It was reported that on the run-up to President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hungary, Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy reiterated Hungary’s strong will to strengthen cooperation with China. According to the report, the minister said that the visit of President Xi Jinping is of great importance.
On 3 May, the Minister also gave an interview to the leading Chinese press agency, in which he highlighted the Bank of China’s presence in Hungary. The financial institution, which has been present for 21 years, has also chosen Budapest as its Central and Eastern European headquarters. He also highlighted China’s achievements in the electric transition, citing the country’s exemplary development of companies, infrastructure and incentives for people to buy electric cars.
“Protectionism is a false path, it leads to a dead end for economic development. Especially in the field of electric cars, where only competition can force Europe to become more competitive,”
the Minister said, according to the Chinese press agency.
It is expected that the parties will sign several important agreements, which could also have a significant impact on Hungary’s economic development, Világgazdaság pointed out.
Hungary’s public media provider MTVA’s innovation and dedication is evident in its professional standards and its family-friendly orientation, the state secretary for families said at a family day held at the company’s headquarters on Saturday.
Ágnes Hornung, state secretary for families of the ministry of culture and innovation, and Andrea Bartos, head of the Family-Friendly Hungary Centre, handed over a certificate to MTVA, the Media Services and Support Trust Fund, which the company has won for a second time.
Ensuring a work-life balance “is a key plank of the government’s family-friendly policy”, Hornung said, noting government schemes to ensure nursery places, family-friendly developments, as well as recognising work that helps families.
In the past 15 years, the government has brought about more than 30 measures and family support schemes, she noted. As a result, there are more and more family-friendly workplaces, she said, praising MTVA for the diversity of its programming and its fostering of a family-friendly atmosphere.
Dániel Papp, the public service company’s chief executive, said it was “a joy and honour” for the company to receive the recognition once again.
He said management strove to create a welcoming and homely environment where staff could feel good, and he mentioned numerous family-friendly programmes aimed at supporting employees.
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The “FAKEWORLD – Navigating the Maze of Fake News” conference, recently held at the European Parliament, proved to be an overwhelming success, drawing significant attention to the crucial issue of media literacy. Co-hosted by MEP Márton Gyöngyösi (Non-Attached Member of the European Parliament) and the PROSUM Foundation, the event effectively highlighted the urgent need to educate the public on identifying reliable information amidst the sea of misinformation prevalent today.
Success of the FAKEWORLD Conference
The conference brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, all dedicated to combating fake news and promoting media literacy. The high turnout and engaged participation underscored the importance of this issue in the current global context. Attendees lauded the event for its timely and relevant focus, given the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions.
Speakers, including Levente Nagy-Pál CEO from PROSUM and Róbert László from Political Capital, provided valuable insights into the detrimental impact of misinformation. They emphasized that the spread of fake news can lead to significant social and economic consequences, such as widening social gaps and influencing elections based on false information. Their presentations resonated with the audience, who acknowledged the necessity of developing critical media consumption skills to mitigate these risks.
Presentation of the E-Learning Platform
A key highlight of the conference was the introduction of the PROSUM Foundation’s innovative E-Learning platform. Funded by the Erasmus+ program, this platform aims to equip citizens and young adults with the skills needed to recognize fake news and understand the dynamics of misinformation on social media.
The E-Learning course begins with an overview of various media outlets and scales, progressing to more detailed modules on different types of media, including news, fake news, and deep fakes. The course utilizes a range of resources, such as videos, written materials, and interactive questionnaires, to enhance learning and track progress. Each module concludes with a quiz to assess the participant’s understanding of the material.
Importance of Media Literacy
The speakers underscored the vital importance of media literacy in today’s digital age. They highlighted how sustainable media consumption, defined as the conscious effort to consume information from trusted sources and critically analyze its validity, is essential for making informed decisions. This concept is particularly crucial as misinformation can lead to harmful social and economic outcomes, such as panic buying and exacerbating social divides.
By promoting sustainable media consumption, the conference aimed to foster a culture of critical examination of information. This approach helps individuals make informed choices, thereby reducing the spread of fake news and its adverse effects.
Accessibility and Reach
The E-Learning platform is free and accessible to everyone interested in developing their media literacy skills. Users can register with their name and email address to start the interactive courses. The platform’s user-friendly design ensures that it caters to a wide audience, from high school students to adults seeking to expand their knowledge and participate in online education.
The presentation of the E-Learning platform at the conference was met with enthusiastic approval. Attendees appreciated the platform’s comprehensive approach to media literacy, recognizing its potential to significantly impact how individuals consume and interact with information.
Conclusion
The “FAKEWORLD” conference successfully highlighted the critical issue of media literacy and the need for sustainable media consumption. The introduction of the PROSUM Foundation’s E-Learning platform marks a significant step forward in equipping individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the complex media landscape. By fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making, this initiative promises to strengthen democratic processes and promote societal cohesion. The conference’s success underscores the importance of continued efforts to educate the public on media literacy, ensuring a more informed and resilient society.
Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.
The recent “FAKEWORLD – Navigating the Maze of Fake News: Skills Development at the Top Level” conference, held in the European Parliament and hosted by MEP Márton Gyöngyösi (Non-Attached Member of the European Parliament) with co-host PROSUM Foundation, was a crucial event addressing the urgent need for accurate information dissemination in today’s complex media environment. The conference brought together experts to discuss strategies to combat misinformation and the role of education in fostering a more informed public.
Key Points from the Conference
The Importance of Trusted Information Amid Crises
Levente Nagy-Pál CEO from PROSUM and Róbert László from Political Capital emphasized that in the wake of a global pandemic and ongoing conflicts near the EU, access to reliable information is more critical than ever. They noted the increasing difficulty in discerning trustworthy sources but highlighted that there are specific methods and indicators to help determine the reliability of information.
Sustainable Media Consumption
A significant part of the discussion centered on the concept of sustainable media consumption, a term that, although not yet widely recognized, is becoming increasingly relevant. Sustainable media consumption involves a conscious effort to seek information from trusted sources and the ability to critically assess the credibility of the information. Nagy-Pál pointed out that by cultivating these skills, individuals can help maintain a sustainable flow of accurate information, thereby reducing the spread of misinformation.
The Role of Individuals in Combatting Fake News
László discussed the role individuals play in either propagating or curbing fake news. He explained how people, often unknowingly, act as multipliers of false information by sharing or acting on misleading news. This can lead to detrimental economic and social consequences, such as panic buying or widening social gaps between different groups, including minorities and refugees.
The Impact on Democratic Processes
With the upcoming European Parliament elections, both speakers stressed the importance of basing electoral decisions on accurate information. They warned that misinformation could lead to democratic deficits and undesirable outcomes. Raising awareness about the significance of sustainable media consumption and enhancing public skills in information assessment are crucial steps to prevent such issues.
PROSUM Foundation’s E-Learning Platform
The PROSUM Foundation, a Brussels-based think tank, unveiled its newly developed E-Learning platform at the conference. Funded by the Erasmus+ program, this platform aims to educate citizens and young adults on recognizing fake news and understanding the dynamics of misinformation on social media.
Course Structure and Accessibility
The free e-learning course begins with an introduction to various media types and scales, progressing to more detailed modules on identifying fake news and deep fakes. The course uses a mix of videos, written materials, and quizzes to ensure an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Users only need to register with their name and email to access the courses, which conclude with quizzes to test their understanding and mastery of the material.
Empowering Individuals
By providing these resources, PROSUM aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions and act based on verified information. This initiative not only supports adults seeking to expand their knowledge but also high school students, helping them develop critical thinking skills that contribute to better civic engagement and integration within the EU.
Conclusion
The FAKEWORLD conference underscored the critical need for sustainable media consumption and the role of education in combatting misinformation. PROSUM Foundation’s e-learning platform represents a significant step towards equipping citizens with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex media landscape. By fostering critical analysis and informed decision-making, these efforts contribute to a more resilient and democratic society.
Disclaimer: the sole liability for the opinions stated rests with the author(s). These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Parliament.
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Márton Mohos has won the Grand Prize of the Hungarian Association of Journalists (MÚOSZ) at the 42nd Hungarian Press Photo competition, and Dénes Erdős as awarded the André Kertész Grand Prize at a ceremonial opening of an exhibition of contestants’ works on Thursday.
Mohos won with a series called Increasing pressure on the Hungarian-Serbian border. Erdős was awarded for his series Housing is a fundamental right.
László Balogh received the photojournalist lifetime achievement award.
The event was opened by Nobel laureate research biologist Katalin Karikó, and she was presented with a photograph by MTI/MTVA photojournalist Szilárd Koszticsák taken the day before the Nobel Prize ceremony that she and physicist Ferenc Krausz attended at the Hungarian embassy in Sweden.
This year, the contest received 6,801 photographs in 2,470 applications from 250 photographers.
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