The Press Freedom Foundation expresses its indignation and deepest concern about the takeover of yet another independent media outlet by Hungary’s ruling circles. This time, index.hu is the target.
The most-read Hungarian news site has been passed into the hands of one of the éminences grises of the ruling party’s media empire who owns half of the company controlling the advertisement revenue opaque to the news staff. The staff immediately sensed the danger, which our own news site, the Free Hungarian Word had warned of even earlier. Within a few days, several new CEOs came and went, then the editor-in-chief was sacked – and finally, most of the news staff resigned.
Thus, the Hungarian power circles are not satisfied with controlling the entire public-service media and the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA), which controls some five hundred outlets and had been declared “of national strategic importance” to prevent a competitiveness investigation. Perhaps they know, and are afraid of it, that the Hungarian people can still learn, even through ever-decreasing independent news channels, about the immense corruption and cynicism of those in power.
The Board of the Press Freedom Foundation expresses its solidarity with the newest media victims of the arrogance of power, and wishes to reiterate that independent, professional journalism can and should only be cultivated outside of the influence of political parties, governments, and oligarchic financing.
Zenta/Senta, July 24, 2020
