Hungarian Opinion: Media Criticized on Both Sides

  • 15 Apr 2022 6:32 AM
  • BudaPost
Hungarian Opinion: Media Criticized on Both Sides
A liberal pundit castigates the opposition-leaning media for failing to fulfil its primary democratic function. A pro-government commentator calls on the state television to abandon its biased and sectarian reporting.

On Telex, András Pethő criticizes the independent media and journalists for not publishing enough in-depth investigative reporting.

The liberal commentator calls on his colleagues to invest time in proper investigative journalism. In defence of democracy, independent journalists should publish data-rich pieces both on government and opposition politicians rather than the current diet of cynical and mocking commentaries, Pethő writes.

In a Facebook post, Magyar Demokrata columnist Gábor Bencsik calls the reporting on M1 public service television biased and ‘untenable’. It is time to acknowledge, the conservative pundit asserts, that the state television has become one-sided and basically excludes opposition politicians and views.

After the landslide victory of Fidesz, it is high time to reform the state media and make it more balanced, so that it serves the whole country including the voters of the opposition, Bencsik concludes.

In an unsigned comment in reaction to Mr Bencsik’s remarks, hirado.hu, the public media website rejects Bencsik’s views, arguing that opposition politicians often refuse to be interviewed on public television.

The author also refers to Bencsik’s ‘past connection with a Soros-financed foundation’ and his job at the nationwide women’s weekly Nők Lapja under communism.
 

This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. 
Click here to Share Your Story

  • How does this content make you feel?

XpatLoop Media Partner

BudaPost

Launched in May 2011 to provide a balanced picture of matters covered in Hungary’s national press. Their aim is to make it easier for English-speakers to understand where this country is now and where it’s heading according to the full spectrum of media opinions.

  • New Poll: 75% of Hungarians Now Back Tisza

    New Poll: 75% of Hungarians Now Back Tisza

    • 2 Jul 2026 12:22 PM

    Commenting on a fresh Median poll published by HVG, PM Magyar said this Wednesday that it is "unprecedented and uplifting" that a "true national unity" has emerged, and three out of four Hungarians now support the Tisza government's work "for a functioning and humane Hungary".

  • Update: 'Crazy Charges' Against Mayor Dropped Over Organisation of Budapest Pride

    Update: 'Crazy Charges' Against Mayor Dropped Over Organisation of Budapest Pride

    • 29 Jun 2026 2:14 PM

    In light of the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Prosecutor's Office of Budapest's 5th and 13th districts has dropped the charges against Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony for violating the law on freedom of association and assembly, the Budapest Public Prosecutor's Office said on Thursday.

  • Paperwork to Cost More than Teachers in Hungary Get After Pay Hike?

    Paperwork to Cost More than Teachers in Hungary Get After Pay Hike?

    • 29 Jun 2026 12:40 PM

    The Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) parliamentary group leader criticised the government's teacher pay rise on Sunday, highlighting the gap between its 25 percent campaign promise and the 0.4 percent reality -- an average increase of 3,000 forints (EUR 8.5).

  • Orbán Loses Libel Case Over Spar Supermarket CEO Interview

    Orbán Loses Libel Case Over Spar Supermarket CEO Interview

    • 25 Jun 2026 8:53 AM

    The Budapest Municipal Court has rejected a libel claim by former prime minister Viktor Orbán against news site 24.hu over its coverage of a 2024 interview with Spar's CEO, in a ruling that marks a victory for press freedom in Hungary.