Hungary's latest media bill poses a danger to press freedom, US-based Freedom House (FH) said on Tuesday. If passed, the bill would be "a major setback for press freedom in Hungary," FH said in a press release.
The bill, a component in the ruling Fidesz party's comprehensive media package which is scheduled to be implemented on Jan 1, seeks to impose fines on the private media for violating rules on "balanced news coverage," FH noted.
But the wording is open to a broad interpretation, creating "an environment conducive to significant misuse", Karin Karlekar, Managing Editor of FH's annual Freedom of the Press index, said.
Under the current draft of the bill, NMHH's Media Council, the supreme governing body, could fine newspapers up to 25 million forints (EUR 89,000) and news websites 10 million, whereas TV and radio stations could be fined between 50 million and 200 million forints for infractions.
FH said Hungary's new media authority (NMHH) also stands to gain powers to punish media organisations for "immoral reporting" involving sexual matters, violence or alcohol, the press release said.
Top 5 Articles
Duna House Profit Climbs Nearly 70% in Q3 November 24, 2025 
What Awaits the Hungarian Economy in 2026 and 2027? April 24, 2026 
'Recharge' Campaign Launched to Boost Domestic Tourism January 21, 2026 
Hungary’s Growth Stalls as Inflation Returns to Target Range February 6, 2026 
Business, Consumer Confidence at Two-Year High in April April 23, 2026
