Left-wing and centrist commentators who ponder a Fidesz MP”s legal action against offensive online comments believe that Fidesz is trying to silence its critics at any price. A pro-government columnist, on the other hand, accuses the left of whipping up ideological hatred. READ MORE
The “distance duel” between the two heroes of the two opposing camps on the anniversary of the 1956 revolution shoots mainstream politics into the top TV news, if only for a few days. READ MORE
Leading Socialist politicians condemn Népszava for printing a full page advertisement by Közgép, a construction company widely believed to be the backbone of a Fidesz-friendly business empire. The editor-in-chief asks why it is necessary to throw away money that helps keep the daily afloat. READ MORE
In a comment on the decision of the Media Authority to disqualify Klubrádió from a frequency tender for formal mistakes in its bid, the leading left-wing daily contends that the Orbán government wants to silence all its critics. Pro-government papers strictly report the facts of the ruling, and refrain from commenting on the affair. READ MORE
According to centrist media experts the latest amendments to the Media Act might force the opposition radio station to re-apply for the status of public content provider and thus not be compelled to pay a frequency fee. A commentator close to the government warns that all attempts to stifle Klubrádió harm the government’s reputation. READ MORE
A right-wing commentator finds it disgusting that the anti-government movement called ‘One Million for Press Freedom’ (Milla) has managed to prevent the broadcast of a documentary series on the Gypsies on Hungarian Public Television. READ MORE
A serious furore has erupted over the Media Council’s decision to award the frequency used by a left wing talk radio to another media company. A right wing analyst calls the decision an “especially bad one” as it has relaunched last year’s controversy over Hungary’s media law. READ MORE
Népszabadság believes Mr Barroso has “sent the silk cord” to PM Viktor Orbán, while Magyar Nemzet compares the current pressure from Washington and Brussels to post-war Soviet interference. READ MORE
Pro-government journalists look back on the year since the introduction of the new media law in 2010. They contend that the dark predictions of the left – inside and outside Hungary – about possible censorship have proven unfounded. READ MORE
A conservative journalist finds the way his German colleagues write about Hungary unfair. He wonders whether they can be dissuaded from their prejudice. READ MORE