Gábor Polyák elected chairman of Hungary's Media Council

The Hungarian Parliament has elected media lawyer Gábor Polyák as the chairman of the Media Council, the regulatory body of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH). Polyák received 132 votes in favor and 52 against. His five-year term begins immediately.

In addition to the chairmanship, the Parliament elected several members to the Council. Candidates from opposition parties, including Tisza and Mi Hazánk, received majority support, while nominees from the governing Fidesz and KDNP parties did not secure enough votes.

During his candidacy, Polyák emphasized the need for a convergent, independent, and impartial media authority. He highlighted several priorities, including addressing market distortions caused by state advertising, regulating the role of influencers, and managing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Legal scholar László Majtényi expressed optimism regarding Polyák’s appointment, suggesting his expertise could help ensure more predictable and rule-based decision-making in sensitive media cases.