Hungary’s state television channel M1 has temporarily suspended its news broadcasts following a change of government in the country. The new government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced the launch of a reform of state media to make them more independent and objective.
During the suspension of broadcasting, a message appeared on the screen: “Public media cannot lie. We apologize for doing so for many years.”
Earlier, Hungary’s new authorities stated that state media during Viktor Orbán’s rule were used as a tool for political propaganda. Prime Minister Magyar promised to overhaul the public broadcasting system and ensure more balanced coverage of events.
“Public media are currently undergoing reform to become independent and credible in the future,” the Prime Minister stated.
Following the change in leadership at state television and radio companies, some editorial staff members were dismissed. Media outlets report that during Orbán’s rule, Hungarian state media were repeatedly criticized by international organizations, which accused them of being close to the government and lacking independence. The authorities rejected these accusations, claiming that press freedom in the country complied with European standards.
The media reform has become one of the first major steps taken by the new government following Péter Magyar’s election victory.