Blog

Strikes considered as MTVA plans more public-media layoffs

December 21, 2012
Blog

Public media staff are considering a strike by early January after the Media Services and Asset Management Fund (MTVA), the body that manages state-owned media, fails to reach an agreement with unions over coming layoffs, according to reports.

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Ringier steps back from selling majority share in Népszabadság

December 14, 2012
Blog

Private multinational publisher Ringier failed in its effort to sell its share of Hungary’s largest circulation daily newspaper, Népszabadság, to a group owned by the Socialist Party. Since no deal could be negotiated, Ringier keeps its 70.77 percent ownership of the paper, and the group called Free Press (Szabad Sajtó), which was established by the Socialist Party, retains its 27.69 percent share.

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Utility tax may end internet and cable service in poorer settlements

December 14, 2012
Blog

A new tax on public utilities could mean the cessation of cable TV and internet service in more than 28,000 households in Hungary’s poorest and smallest settlements. According to news reports, the structure of the public utility tax means that internet providers find it unprofitable to service smaller, poorer communities, which means that many households may suddenly find themselves unable to subscribe to the services.

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New CEO appointed at MTI news agency

December 13, 2012
Blog

István Galambos was appointed the CEO of the Hungarian-owned news agency MTI, and will take over the position on January 1, 2013, according to a December 12 announcement by the Media Services and Asset Management Fund (MTVA), the body responsible for managing Hungary’s public media.

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Media Council asks for clarification after CoE criticism

December 9, 2012
Blog

In response to a statement from the Council of Europe criticizing the appointment procedures of Hungary’s Media Council for failing to meet European standards, Media Council spokeswoman Karola Kiricsi sent a letter to Daniel Holtgen, the spokesperson of the Council of Europe’s Secretary General, asking for guidance.

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