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![Link to: ARTICLE 19 issues statement on controversial new media laws](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
ARTICLE 19 issues statement on controversial new media laws
Changes to the legal framework include very restrictive content requirements for broadcasting, print and online media, says ARTICLE 19.
![Link to: IPI, RSF and Austrian journalists’ union urge Hungarian government to withdraw new media legislation](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
IPI, RSF and Austrian journalists’ union urge Hungarian government to withdraw new media legislation
Leading Austrian Newspapers will carry the joint statement calling on the goverment to strengthen democracy within the European Union.
![Link to: Government must repeal repressive new media law, says CPJ](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Government must repeal repressive new media law, says CPJ
The government is sending the message that Hungary is seeking to nullify citizens’ internationally recognised rights to free expression and access to information, CPJ said.
![Link to: IFJ tells Barroso: Defend free speech and media rights](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
IFJ tells Barroso: Defend free speech and media rights
The IFJ says the EU must examine the law and its implementation, not just regarding technical criteria, but also with respect to how it fits with the Fundamental Rights Charter.
![Link to: Newly-constituted media authority takes over investigation into radio station](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Newly-constituted media authority takes over investigation into radio station
The inquiry relates to the station’s broadcast of two songs by American rapper Ice-T of which the lyrics were deemed objectionable.
![Link to: Journalists question Hungary’s leadership of Europe as media law provokes outrage](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Journalists question Hungary’s leadership of Europe as media law provokes outrage
Parliamentarians in Budapest agreed to create a new media council which will have the power to fine newspapers if they don’t provide “balanced coverage”.
![Link to: Mission delegates meet broad array of media stakeholders](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Mission delegates meet broad array of media stakeholders
The mission came as parliament debated legislation which would significantly expand the powers of the newly-formed Media Council, allowing it to oversee virtually all media.
![Link to: Government criticised over media secrecy law](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Government criticised over media secrecy law
The parliament passed another element of a media reform package which will force journalists to identify their sources in stories involving national security and public safety.
![Link to: Ruling party announces postponement of media package elements criticised by journalists](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Ruling party announces postponement of media package elements criticised by journalists
IPI has called for withdrawal of the current package, saying the initiative should preserve media independence and be implemented only after conferring with all stakeholders.
![Link to: IFJ rejects new media bill and calls for public debate](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
IFJ rejects new media bill and calls for public debate
The bill brings under state regulation the content of most printed and audiovisual media, even a part of the Internet.
![Link to: Freedom of the Press 2007: Hungary](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Freedom of the Press 2007: Hungary
Freedom of the Press 2007: Hungary
![Link to: Journalist badly beaten, hospitalised following threats over her reporting on corruption](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Journalist badly beaten, hospitalised following threats over her reporting on corruption
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has condemned a 22 June 2007 violent attack on investigative journalist Iren Karmen by two men that left her unconscious on the banks of the River Danube. She was found by a fisherman the next morning and is now hospitalised in Budapest with serious head injuries. Karmen received several e-mail […]
![Link to: IPI dismayed by journalist’s prosecution under outdated security law](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
IPI dismayed by journalist’s prosecution under outdated security law
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release: Vienna, 22 November 2004 IPI Dismayed by Journalist’s Prosecution Under Outdated Hungarian Security Law On 6 November, Rita Csik, a journalist with the daily Nepszava newspaper, was charged with the “deliberate breach of a state secret” under Article 221 of the Hungarian Penal Code, titled, “Violation […]
![Link to: Prominent daily faces closure](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Prominent daily faces closure
(IFJ/IFEX) ? The following is an IFJ media release: European Journalists Seek Reprieve for Ground-Breaking Hungarian Daily Facing Closure European journalists today called on Ringier Publishing Group, the Swiss media company, to grant a reprieve to one of Hungary’s most respected daily newspapers, Magyar Hirlap, which is threatened with closure and the loss of more […]
![Link to: Journalist given jail term with no parole for press offence for the first time since fall of communism](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Journalist given jail term with no parole for press offence for the first time since fall of communism
(RSF/IFEX) – A journalist has been sentenced to a jail term with no parole for a press offence for the first time since the fall of communism in 1990. On 21 January 2004, Andras Bencsik, editor-in-chief of the weekly “Magyar Demokrata”, was sentenced to 10 months in prison with no parole for “libelling” Liberal Democrat […]
![Link to: IPI concerned over appointment of Hungarian Television president](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
IPI concerned over appointment of Hungarian Television president
(IPI/IFEX) – In a 16 July 2001 letter to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, IPI expressed concern over the appointment of Karoly Mendreczky as president of Hungarian Television (MTV) and the implications that the appointment may have for editorial independence at the state-owned television station. According to information provided to IPI, on 12 July, Mendreczky […]