Hungarian Media Association Aids Laid-off Journalists Amid Cuts

The Magyar Nemzeti Médiaszövetség (MNMSZ), a Fidesz‑linked media association, issued two statements describing dramatic changes in Hungary’s media market, including the closure of regional newspapers and the lay‑offs of staff at outlets such as Pesti Srácok, Bors, Ripost, Metropole, Népszava, Origo, Világgazdaság, Mandiner and Megafon. The association announced it would help unemployed journalists by matching them with potential employers and invited applications detailing their experience and desired work.

In a second notice, the MNMSZ called on wealthy “national capitalists” and “small capitalists” to financially support the right‑wing press, referencing an earlier open letter by Navracsics Tibor and Ferencz Orsolya that urged these investors to fund conservative media.

Separately, the state‑owned Nemzeti Sport daily dismissed its long‑time editor‑in‑chief György Szöllősi. Interim editor Zsolt Somogyi was appointed as the paper undergoes a restructuring aimed at ensuring editorial independence, balanced reporting and freedom from political influence. Nemzeti Sport had been bought in 2022 by the National Sport Agency for 3.5 billion forints, a deal previously undisclosed.

Both developments reflect ongoing consolidation and politicisation of Hungary’s media sector.