András Bencsik discusses shifts in Hungarian right-wing media

András Bencsik, editor-in-chief of Demokrata, has commented on the shifting landscape of Hungarian right-wing media following recent election campaigns. Bencsik noted that during the campaign, media outlets received centralized messages regarding specific topics to focus on, suggesting a top-down approach from campaign staff.

He highlighted a significant financial shift, noting that many right-wing media outlets previously relied on state advertising, which has since ceased. To avoid layoffs at Demokrata due to these budget cuts, Bencsik proposed that the entire editorial staff accept salary reductions, a suggestion that was accepted by the team.

Bencsik characterized the traditional right-wing media landscape as having collapsed, making way for a new type of public sphere consisting of smaller, independent, and uncontrollable individual initiatives. He criticized the previous media strategy for relying on repetitive, negative clichés—such as warnings regarding Ukrainian migration—which he believes alienated their own audience. In contrast, he noted that opposing media outlets maintained sovereignty by communicating their own perspectives from the start.