Hungary replaces public radio with classical music amid media reforms

Hungary's public radio is undergoing a significant transformation, replacing its regular programming with classical music for several weeks. This initiative is part of broader media reforms aimed at dismantling the remnants of the previous administration's propaganda machine. The most listened-to public radio station, Kossuth Rádión, will simultaneously broadcast content from Radio Bartók, which specializes in classical music, until its own new programming launches in mid-August. This symbolic cleansing of the airwaves will feature music from Hungary's most celebrated composers, including Bartók, Kodály, Eötvös, and Kurtág, potentially reaching a million new listeners. This move contrasts with historical instances in the Soviet Union where classical ballet was used as a tool of censorship during times of political upheaval. In Hungary, however, the music of these esteemed composers is being played as a sign of liberation from censorship and propaganda. The changes were announced following the government's reorganization of the public broadcaster, which saw the leadership of state television and radio replaced. The main public television channel, M1, had previously displayed a black screen with a message stating, "Public media should not lie. We are sorry that we have been doing so for so long. Public media is now being reformed to become independent and reliable. Our news service is currently suspended. Stay tuned!" Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party that ousted former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in the April elections, declared the day historic, stating, "Today ends the propaganda reporting on public media channels. They lied day and night, they lied on all frequencies. That is now over." Magyar's party secured a two-thirds majority in parliament, promising a "system change" and a complete break from the Orbán era. He has pledged to create a "truly balanced and objective news service" and ordered an immediate review of public service media and its funding.

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Today ends the propaganda reporting on public media channels. They lied day and night, they lied on all frequencies. That is now over.