Posts Tagged ‘Hungary’

Hungary faces squeeze on freedoms

January 5th, 2012

David Ferenczy / DemotixHuge crowds protest Hungary’s new constitution, as the country’s political elite celebrates legislation which cements their power. Sándor Orbán reports
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Hungary: Watchdog takes away frequency from opposition radio

December 21st, 2011

Hungary’s national media council have taken the radio frequency from the country’s largest opposition radio station, Klubradio. Three frequencies were reassigned by the media council, and Klubradio’s frequency was awarded to Autoradio Musorszolgaltato Kft. In a statement issued by email yesterday, the watchdog claimed Autoradio bid “significantly above” the asking price and promised to broadcast more Hungarian music. The decision from the national media council has been described as a “de facto ban” by Andras Arato, Klubradio’s chairman.Read Mike Harris on Hungary’s alarming new media regulations

Hungary: airbrushing row highlights media law failings

December 13th, 2011

Activists are on hunger strike to protest against manipulation of TV images. Thomas Escritt reports
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Macedonia: media freedom sliding backwards

December 1st, 2011

Alexander the Great statue, Skopje, MacedoniaThe International Partnership Group of freedom of expression organisations visited Macedonia last month to assess the state of media freedom in the country. Mike Harris reports on the findings

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Hungary: How not to regulate the press

November 17th, 2011


Hungary’s media regulations have created an atmosphere of tension among journalists. Mike Harris reports from Budapest

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Hungary: independent voice faces closure

September 7th, 2011


KlubRadio, the country’s last remaining liberal radio station, is in danger of losing its licence. Charlie Holt reports
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Tens of thousands protest Hungarian media law

March 17th, 2011

Demonstrators gathered in Budapest on Tuesday to protest Hungary’s controversial media law, in what has been described as the biggest demonstration since the regime change in 1989. Chief organiser, Anna Vamos, said amendments to the media law do not align with EU law. Protesters also condemned provisions allowing the imposition of arbitrary levy fines on media outlets.

Changes to Hungarian media law adopted

March 9th, 2011

The agreed changes to Hungary’s controversial media law were adopted on Monday.  These alterations were welcomed by the Hungarian media, but have been subsequently dismissed as merely “cosmetic” by critics. Several of the more controversial provisions have been changed, for example the “balanced reporting” requirement, which no longer applies to blogs. No changes have been made to the Media Council, created in December 2010.