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EBU urges rethink of cuts to Hungary’s public broadcaster Geneva, 6 November 2009 – The European Broadcasting Union* today urged Hungary’s Prime Minister and President to reconsider massive cuts to the budget of Hungarian Television (Magyar Televisio, MTV) next year. The Hungarian Parliament voted on Tuesday to cut MTV’s funding to around 20 billion forints (€73 million) in 2010, reducing the broadcaster’s budget (after transmission costs have been deducted) by more than 30%. “Such a severe cut would fundamentally damage public service broadcasting in Hungary and prevent MTV from carrying out its vital function in the service of Hungarian citizens,” EBU President Jean-Paul Philippot and Director General Jean Reveillon wrote in letters** sent to Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai and President Laszlo Solyom. “While many EBU Members are facing funding cuts in the wake of the global recession, it is clear that what is envisaged for MTV goes far beyond what may be justified from a financial point of view,” the letter added. The EBU’s President and Director General reminded Hungary’s leaders of a resolution passed in 2008 by the European Parliament in September that the tasks of public sector broadcasting require long-term funding. * The Geneva-based EBU represents Members (125 national broadcasters) and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. It transmits news, sports, events and music over the Eurovision and Euroradio networks, develops and shares best practices, media expertise and innovation, and produces and exchanges rich and diverse programmes across all media. Contact: |
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The full text of the letters from the EBU’s President and Director General