"Referring to the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Commission said Hungary "fails to comply with requirements relating to the public service media," adding that it, "does not comply with provisions regarding interference in the work of journalists and media outlets in Hungary, restricting their economic activities and editorial freedom." A statement on the Commission's website said, "Hungarian law does not offer an adequate protection of journalistic sources and confidential communications, nor effective judicial protection when these rights are breached.""
"Lack of transparency regarding media ownership, market concentration and the allocation of state advertising were also cited as problematic. The Commission said "Hungary is also in breach of certain requirements relating to national media regulatory authorities" under the EU's Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Budapest has two months to respond and address the concerns raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion."
The European Commission sent Hungary a formal letter of notice to open infringement proceedings for failing to comply with multiple EU media statutes, including the European Media Freedom Act. The Commission identified shortcomings in protection of public service media, interference with journalists, restrictions on economic activities and editorial freedom, inadequate protection of journalistic sources, and lack of effective judicial remedies. Transparency gaps in media ownership, market concentration and state advertising allocation were flagged. Hungary also allegedly breaches requirements for national media regulatory authorities under the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Budapest has two months to respond before further legal steps, potentially including ECJ referral and fines.
Read at www.dw.com
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