Hungary's public news broadcasts halted in bid to scrap Orban-era propaganda

Hungary's main state television channel, M1, and state-run radio station, Kossuth, have temporarily halted news broadcasts. This action is part of reforms promised by the new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who aims to make the media "independent and trustworthy" and end what he described as "propaganda broadcasts." The move follows the ousting of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had maintained tight control over state media for 16 years. M1 displayed a message apologizing for past lies and stating its commitment to reform. Kossuth's frequencies were replaced with classical music, and both channels' websites were also down.

Hungarian public media outlets Kossuth radio and M1 TV have suspended broadcasting following a landslide election victory by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Magyar, who ousted Viktor Orbán, declared this a "historic day" and the "end of propaganda broadcasts," stating the outlets had lied extensively. This action is part of Magyar's promise to dismantle Orbán's control over information and reform public media to be independent and trustworthy. The suspension follows the replacement of state TV and radio management. Orbán criticized the move as "Tisza tyranny" and suggested watching Fidesz-linked Hír TV instead.