Following recent elections in Hungary, over 90 employees of the state-run Hungarian Telegraph Agency (MTI) have protested alleged censorship and interference, demanding editorial autonomy.
Growing Discontent at MTI
Following the Hungarian elections, significant changes are anticipated within state-run media. HVG reports that management of the holding company has sent letters to over 90 MTI employees.
The letters were addressed to Anita Altorjai, head of Duna Médiaszolgáltató Nonprofit Zrt., and MTVA President Daniel Papp, with a copy also sent to Information Director Zsolt Nemeth, known within the industry as “Pitbull.” Duna Médiaszolgáltató is Hungary’s public broadcaster, encompassing radio, television, and news agencies like M1 and Kossuth Rádió.
“Peasant Revolt” Within the Agency
Employees stated, “We demand the immediate restoration of an independent, impartial, and professional news service of the Hungarian Telegraph Agency, and the removal of Zsolt Nemeth’s supervisory powers.” Sources within the agency reportedly referred to the protest as a “peasant revolt.”
Meeting Sparks Outrage
The protest reportedly began after a Wednesday meeting at M1 and MTI, which started at 1:00 PM. Anonymous sources at HVG indicated that Nemeth’s suggestion to continue current practices for as long as possible sparked significant outrage among staff.
Dispute Over Political Content and Censorship
During the meeting, a dispute reportedly occurred between Nemeth and an MTI journalist regarding continued control over political content. Further tension arose from reports that an agency report concerning an interview with Peter Magyar was censored earlier that day, with the name of Fidesz politician Antal Rogán removed from the text.
Focus on Informational Value and Editorial Control
A letter circulated among employees questioned whether the editorial staff should jointly appeal to management. The letter emphasized the importance of restoring MTI’s editorial autonomy.
Employees are demanding that the editorial staff regain full control over which events to cover and how to construct news reports, guided solely by professional standards. They insist that the agency’s coverage should be determined “exclusively by informational value,” with materials written and edited on-site without external oversight.
Broad Support and Political Context
HVG reports that the appeal has been signed by employees from the national and foreign desks, as well as photojournalists. The outlet connects the protest to broader political developments, noting that Peter Magyar announced the end of pro-government propaganda media and the suspension of their news activities “as soon as possible” on Wednesday, April 15th.
