Hungary adopts sweeping media law reforms under new TISZA government

Hungary's parliament approved a major overhaul of the public‑media system on 26 June 2026, the first amendment to the media law since the TISZA coalition took power under Prime Minister Péter Magyar. The reform creates a nonprofit broadcasting corporation that will assume the functions of former state‑run radio and TV, splits the previous dual structure into two independent entities – the Hungarian Radio‑Television Company and the news agency MTI – and places both under direct oversight of a newly established media authority.

An independent Media Council will supervise the public broadcasters, composed of members nominated by governing parties, opposition parties and journalists’ organisations. The law also introduces a fund to support private media outlets, mandates transparent appointment procedures for senior media posts, and seeks alignment with the European Media Freedom Act, addressing an existing EU infringement case against Hungary. Critics argue the reforms may not guarantee true editorial independence, while media experts view them as a step toward greater pluralism after years of criticism of Hungary's former “propaganda machine.”