Simicska departed from the news channel’s board effective Monday and was replaced by Károly Fonyó, a businessman with interests in the media and sport, as company chairman.

At the same time, former editor in chief Péter Tarr has been appointed as deputy managing director in charge of programmes, a post which had been unfilled for a week and a half, the news portal reported.

The companies Megapolis Media, owned by Fonyó, and Pro-Rata Holding have acquired a majority share in Magyar Nemzet publishing company Nemzet Lap és Könyvkiadó. Simicska’s share in HírTV has been bought by Megapolis Media.

The two companies acquired 25% each from Simicska’s stake in Lánchíd Radio, but Simicska still holds 25%. Simicska took the post of HirTV chairman on Feb. 6, hours after top officials of Magyar Nemzet, Hír TV, Lánchíd Radio, and Magyar Nemzet Online resigned.

The day before the resignations, daily Népszava online reported that Simicska said a “total media war” was approaching in the wake of the government decision on the tax on advertisements which affect Simicska’s media interests.

Source www.hungarymatters.hu

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