Hungarian MEPs were divided in their views on the state of media freedom in Hungary in a European Parliamentary debate on Wednesday, with ruling Fidesz slamming what it calls a “smear campaign” against the government, and the opposition decrying “the end of media plurality” in the country.
Addressing the debate on the state of media freedom in Hungary, Poland and Slovenia, Vera Jourová, the European commissioner for justice, consumer protection and equal opportunities, criticised the case of Hungary’s Klubrádió, a commercial broadcaster popular with opposition listeners that went off the air last month after losing an appeal to extend its licence. The commissioner said the radio station would remain silent until the conclusion of a legal procedure.