Hungarian media in mass protest against new tax rules

More than 60 media outlets in Hungary joined a protest against a planned tax on advertising revenues which the industry says will cripple press freedom in the country. TV, radio and online media held a 15 minute blackout on 5 June 2014, while Hungary's top newspapers were to be published on the following day with a blank page, reminiscent of the protest against a media law in 2011.

The move, unprecedented in scale by the politically divided Hungarian media, included TV broadcasters, radio channels, print, online sites and communication companies.

ESO: Background information: Hungary amends its constitution to appease EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/hungary-amends-its-constitution-to-appease-eu/

ESO: Background information: Press freedom index marked by downgrades for Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-freedom-index-marked-by-downgrades-for-hungary-greece-bulgaria/

Euronews, 06.06.14: Hungary: TV blackout to protest proposed ad tax http://www.euronews.com/2014/06/06/hungary-tv-blackout-to-protest-proposed-ad-tax/

Euronews, 10.06.14: Hungary: Media freedom protest over Orban advertising tax plan http://www.euronews.com/2014/06/10/hungary-media-freedom-protest-over-orban-advertising-tax-plan/

EUObserver [Opinion], 13.06.14: Hungary’s insidious media clampdown http://euobserver.com/opinion/124596

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