Hungarian public media halts broadcasts in post-Orbán shake-up

Hungary's public media landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as broadcasters closely associated with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have suspended their programming. This move follows the decisive election victory of Péter Magyar, who promised a "regime change" and a clean break from the Orbán era.

Magyar, whose Tisza party secured a two-thirds supermajority in parliament, hailed the suspension as a "historic day." He declared on Facebook that "the end of propaganda broadcasts on public media platforms" had arrived, stating, "They lied at night, they lied during the day, they lied on every wavelength. That is now over."

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A historic day. Today marks the end of propaganda broadcasts on public media platforms. They lied at night, they lied during the day, they lied on every wavelength. That is now over.

The Kossuth radio station and M1, Hungary's primary public television channel, ceased transmissions. M1 displayed a message stating, "Public media should not lie. We are sorry for doing it for so long. Public media now will be reformed so it will be independent and trustworthy. Our news programme is currently suspended. Stay tuned!" The station's website was also down, while Kossuth radio frequencies broadcast classical music.

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Public media should not lie. We are sorry for doing it for so long. Public media now will be reformed so it will be independent and trustworthy. Our news programme is currently suspended. Stay tuned!

Orbán, however, reacted critically to the changes, posting on social media, "Another example of Tisza tyranny!" He suggested that viewers seeking "the truth" should watch Hír TV, a channel linked to his Fidesz party. Magyar's government had previously ordered a comprehensive review of public service media and its financing shortly after taking power.

This shake-up extends beyond public broadcasters. Private media outlets linked to Orbán-allied business figures have also seen changes, with news anchors and directors replaced at TV2, a major private broadcaster. The shift signals a significant effort to dismantle Orbán's long-standing control over the media, which was a cornerstone of his 16-year rule.

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Another example of Tisza tyranny!