Hungary's primary public television channel, M1, and the state-run Kossuth radio station temporarily halted broadcasts on July 7, 2026, in a move aimed at reforming the country's media landscape. The suspension is part of efforts to make public media "independent and trustworthy," following the ousting of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in April after 16 years in power.

Orbán's administration had tightly controlled state media, which critics described as propaganda. The new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who campaigned on media reform, described the broadcast halt as "the end of propaganda broadcasts."

During the interruption, M1 displayed a message stating, "Public media should not lie," and apologized for previous misinformation. The message continued, "Public media now will be reformed so it will be independent and trustworthy."

Kossuth radio, Hungary's main public radio station known for news, current affairs, sports, and culture, temporarily ceased its usual programming. Instead, its frequencies broadcast classical music from Bartok Radio, according to AFP.

Websites for both M1 and Kossuth were also offline during the suspension. MTVA, the organization that runs M1, announced that the channel would restart temporarily without news programs, gradually reintroducing bulletins alongside a new editorial team.

The reforms mark a significant shift in Hungary's public media following years of state control under Orbán's government.

Sources