The Hungarian parliament have voted to reform public media within the country, which includes dissolving MTVA, their current Hungarian national broadcaster and EBU full member. This FOLLOWS Péter Magyar’s instructions towards the Minister/State Secretary for Culture to examine the possible return to the Eurovision Song Contest.

The bill was introduced by the Tisza Party, the current ruling party and passed with 145 votes in favour and 39 against. Péter Magyar, stated that one of his election promises was to suspend public media news services until a new organisation could be formed.

MTVA and Duna Média Service will be replaced by two new organisations – Magyar Rádió és Televízió and Magyar Távirati Iroda. The new set of reforms will also create an Independent Public Media Council to oversee the system and a new Press Fund to support independent journalism through grants. It is unclear if Magyar Rádió és Televízió would be a legal successor to MTVA – therefore retaining EBU membership and the ability to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Let us know what you think about Hungary and the Eurovision Song Contest – either in the comments below or on our FACEBOOK, BLUESKY, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM and TIKTOK pages.

The Eurovision Community, which Eurovision Ireland are a part of, celebrates diversity through music. Please keep your comments respectful. We will not tolerate racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming or any other derogatory or hostile language.

Author: Richard Taylor

Source: Eurovoix