Description
Since 2010, media regulation in Hungary has been criticized at home and abroad for not adequately guaranteeing media pluralism and freedom. These laws were elaborated with no prior consultation with the professional communities and the public, thus they did not build on widely discussed drafts. The Center for Independent Journalism – with the Mérték Standards Media Monitor - facilitates a professional and social dialogue to contribute to a long-term, future media regulation based on strong legitimacy and the European standards of media freedom. Journalists, representatives of media organizations, companies, civil society organizations, researchers and lawyers will discuss draft concepts of key issues - the regulatory authority, regulation of the media market, media literacy and self-regulation, public service media - at public debates and via online forum from October 2013. Based on the conclusions of the closing conference in February 2014, a final concept will be elaborated.
Summary of project results
The Center for Independent Journalism – with the experts of Mérték and the Hungarian Editors’ Forum - facilitated the public discussion of key media regulation issues and elaborated a final concept document. This can serve as a basis for a long-term, future media regulation with a strengthened media self-regulation and clear guarantees for media pluralism and freedom. Policy papers were elaborated on the regulatory authority, media market regulation, the public service media, media literacy and self-regulation. This project addressed problems brought about by the often criticized media regulatory framework in Hungary since 2010 which does not adequately safeguard media pluralism and freedom. Journalists, representatives of media organizations, companies, CSOs, researchers and lawyers participated in the discussions at events and online from October 2013. Based on the conclusions of this professional dialogue, the final concept was published at the closing conference in February 2014.
Summary of bilateral results